Assistant Judge
What does this office do?
- Deciding trials in the county
- Ruling on evidence and setting sentences in criminal cases
- Deciding family, probate, and civil disputes
Affects: Public Safety and Crime Control, Criminal Justice and Civil Liberties, Housing Affordability,
Candidates:
Nonpartisan · Incumbent
Joe Benning has been a Caledonia County assistant judge since a 2025 governor's appointment. The Lyndonville trial lawyer of over 40 years served 12 years in the Vermont Senate, including as Senate minority leader, and was Lyndon town moderator and a school board member.
Nonpartisan · Incumbent
Merle L. Haskins is a Caledonia County assistant judge from St. Johnsbury, first appointed by the governor to finish a retiring judge's term and elected to a full term in 2022. Haskins taught for years at St. Johnsbury Academy.
Source: outside.vermont.gov