Southern Wisconsin Times

On Thursday, December 28, 2023, City Council President Paul Benson announced that he will not be running for reelection in the upcoming City Council election. President Benson, who has served as Council President since his appointment in 2019, made this difficult decision in order to prioritize spending more time with his family.

In his declaration of non-candidacy, President Benson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Janesville and work with his colleagues. He stated, "It has been my great honor to serve the citizens of Janesville and to work with all of you. This was a very hard decision for me. I look forward to spending more time with my family and wish you all the best going forward."

President Benson's decision to not seek reelection makes him the only Councilmember to declare non-candidacy for the 2024 election. The City of Janesville acknowledged President Benson's dedication, service, and contributions to the community, expressing their gratitude for the many successes that resulted from his leadership.

According to the state statute, the deadline to announce non-candidacy was 5 p.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023. However, since President Benson declared non-candidacy after the deadline, the deadline for candidate paperwork will be extended by 72 hours for the office and any eligible candidate, except the incumbent.

As a result, the new deadline for filing nomination papers for the position of City Councilmember is 5 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the Clerk-Treasurer's Office at (608) 755-3070 for more information on the nomination process.

President Benson's decision not to run for reelection marks the end of an era for the City Council. His dedication and service will be remembered and appreciated by the citizens of Janesville for years to come. As the deadline for candidate paperwork is extended, the City looks forward to welcoming new candidates who will continue to contribute to the growth and development of the community.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.janesvillewi.gov/Home/Components/News/News/16295/29