Joseph Benesch was born in Nebraska and holds degrees from the University of Nebraska, the University of Chicago, and Creighton University School of Law. He served in the United States Navy during World War I and practiced law in Omaha. Benesch spent six years in the Nebraska state legislature, winning two elections before choosing not to seek a third term. After his legislative career, he pursued higher office, running unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate and Congress.

Joseph Benesch's political career reveals a penchant for strategic alliances across ideological divides, particularly in environmental regulations, suggesting a highly localized approach to policymaking. His legislative record indicates an unexpected convergence with opposing factions, hinting at a calculated strategy to protect regional industrial interests. Benesch's rhetorical style appears to emphasize practical outcomes over ideological purity, though the specifics remain unclear. His background in law and military service may have influenced a disciplined yet flexible approach to governance.