Community activist and former Madison alder Brian Benford announced his candidacy for Madison mayor Tuesday morning, saying he wants to help heal the city from “political leadership, persistent social injustice and inequality, and systemic racism that has made Madison home to some of the worst racial disparities in the United States.”
“In the last two months, we have witnessed a social reawakening reminiscent of 2020, when George Floyd was murdered and communities across the country rose in outrage,” Benford said in a press release. “In the aftermath, sadly, we have witnessed failed, and at times inhumane, city leadership during emotionally charged and painful moments.”
“Without political leaders who can lead with courage, empathy, humility, and honesty, we are destined to face unimaginable pain and suffering for all who call Madison home,” he continued. “While the immediate needs for more affordable housing, smart transportation, and healthy economic development are paramount for any growing city, we must also immediately address the life-threatening racial disparities and inequities that persist in income, housing, education, employment, the criminal justice system — including police stops and incarceration rates — and throughout the lives of our BIPOC neighbors. If we do not, we will continue to waste taxpayer dollars and, more importantly, human lives.”
Benford, who has lived in Madison since 1979, currently serves as success coach for the award-winning UW–Madison Odyssey Project, where he works to support marginalized students as they jump-start their educational journeys.
Benford said he is running for mayor to “bring our community together in unity, respect, and love, and to intentionally and truthfully reflect on Madison’s past so that we can create bold new policies and forge a socially just and equitable future — a future where everyone, regardless of background or ZIP code, has the opportunity to thrive.”
Benford is the father of five children who attended the Madison Metropolitan School District, with his four oldest graduating from UW–Madison, Edgewood College, the University of Minnesota, and Stanford University, respectively.
