A man with short curly hair, smiling, standing outdoors by a body of water with a city skyline in the background, holding a leash attached to a brown and white dog with a red harness, sitting on the grass under a tree.
A man with short curly hair, smiling, standing outdoors by a body of water with a city skyline in the background, holding a leash attached to a brown and white dog with a red harness, sitting on the grass under a tree.

meet brian benford

A woman in a yellow dress sitting on a beach with her feet in the sand, holding a surfboard behind her.

a unique perspective. A Lifetime of Action. A Leader for All of Madison.

For over 35 years, Brian Benford (known by many as “BB”) has been on the front lines fighting for Madison’s most underserved and vulnerable communities. As a social worker, union member (UFAS #223) former three-term City Alder, youth advocate, and community organizer, Brian doesn't just talk about progress—he has lived it and built it from the ground up.

Born into the civil rights movement and raised through personal hardships—from surviving cancer to raising five children on low-income wages—Brian understands the challenges facing Madison families because he has lived them himself.

Now, Brian is running for Mayor to bring a compassionate, people-first voice to City Hall and beyond.

Read more about Brian