Shoshone County Prosecutor Benjamin Allen Enters Idaho First Judicial District Judge Race
Allen Announces Bid for First Judicial District Seat in Idaho
WALLACE, Idaho — Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney Benjamin Allen has formally announced his candidacy for district judge in Idaho’s First Judicial District, making him the first candidate to file a candidate report with the Idaho Secretary of State for the seat. Allen is seeking to fill the position being vacated by Judge Barbara Duggan, who is set to retire later this year.
In Idaho, district judge seats are typically filled by gubernatorial appointment when a vacancy occurs outside of an election cycle. However, because the vacancy coincides with an election year for this seat, the position will be decided by voters across all five northern Idaho counties during the upcoming May primary — including residents of Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah counties — though the seat primarily serves Shoshone and Benewah counties.
“Over the past decade, it has been my privilege to serve the citizens of North Idaho in various public service capacities,” Allen said. “I have embraced the role of the prosecuting attorney in keeping our communities safe, while at the same time, I have developed a deeper appreciation for how important the decisions of the judiciary are to this same end.”
Deep Roots in North Idaho Law Enforcement and Public Service
Allen brings more than a decade of legal experience in North Idaho to his judicial bid. A lifelong Idaho resident, he grew up on a farm in rural North Idaho and graduated from Clearwater Valley High School in Kooskia in 2008. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with distinguished honors from Boise State University, where he was recognized as a Presidential Civic Leader. He received his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2015, graduating cum laude.
Allen joined the Shoshone County Prosecutor’s Office in 2014 as a legal researcher, transitioned to deputy prosecutor in 2015, and was promoted to chief deputy in 2018. He was appointed prosecuting attorney in 2022 and has since been reelected to that role twice. In 2017, he also became a partner at Silver Valley Law, a firm that represents local public entities including municipalities, water districts, and sewer districts.
As a prosecutor, Allen has handled a wide range of legal proceedings — from infractions and misdemeanors to felonies, child protection matters, juvenile cases, and mental commitment proceedings. He has tried homicide cases and argued before the Idaho Supreme Court. He also advises county officials on civil liability issues and represents Shoshone County in civil actions.
His professional affiliations span multiple legal organizations, including the Idaho State Bar, the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association, the Idaho Municipal Attorneys Association, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. His honors include the Idaho State Bar’s Professionalism Award, the Idaho Municipal Attorney’s Pillar of the Community Award, and a Top 40 Under 40 distinction from the North Idaho Business Journal, among others.
Judicial Philosophy Focused on Safety, Efficiency, and Constitutional Integrity
Allen’s campaign platform centers on public safety, judicial efficiency, and constitutional fidelity — themes that resonate strongly across North Idaho’s growing communities.
“As North Idaho attempts to adapt to recent growth within our region which has strained many of our public resources, it is imperative that we find ways to increase the efficiency of our courts and reduce the financial burden of administering justice,” Allen said. “I am committed to upholding the constitution and promoting public confidence in our courts, while standing firm on my belief that the safety of our community should never be a point of compromise.”
Allen also volunteers extensively throughout the region, including with Ducks Unlimited, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Silver Valley Kiwanis, Kellogg Rotary, and the Silver Valley Snack Pack program, among others.
Decisions made at Idaho’s First Judicial District level carry significant weight for communities across the Panhandle. As Idaho’s court system faces growing caseloads linked to population increases in North Idaho, the selection of the next district judge will likely have lasting implications for how justice is administered in the region. For broader context on judicial and government leadership decisions shaping Idaho, visit Idaho News.
What Comes Next
Allen is currently the only candidate to have filed a candidate report with the Idaho Secretary of State for the First Judicial District seat. The election is scheduled during the upcoming May primary, with voters from all five northern Idaho counties participating. Filing deadlines and additional candidates, if any, will be tracked through the Idaho Secretary of State’s office in the weeks ahead. Bonner County residents interested in the race can monitor updates through local courthouse announcements and election offices.