WALLACE — Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney Benjamin Allen has announced he is seeking to become the next district judge for Idaho’s First Judicial District. 

Allen aims to fill the seat vacated by Judge Barbara Duggan, who will retire later this year. In Idaho, district judges are usually appointed by the governor unless the vacancy coincides with an election year for the seat. 

“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."

Allen joined the Shoshone County Prosecutor’s Office in 2014, initially as a legal researcher, and transitioned to deputy prosecutor in 2015. He was promoted to chief deputy in 2018, appointed prosecuting attorney in 2022, and reelected twice since then. 

A lifelong Idaho resident, Allen grew up on a farm in rural North Idaho and graduated from Clearwater Valley High School in Kooskia in 2008. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with distinguished honors from Boise State University, where he was named a Presidential Civic Leader. He received his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2015, graduating cum laude. 

As a prosecutor, Allen has experience handling a wide range of legal proceedings, including infractions, misdemeanors and felonies, as well as child protection, juvenile matters and mental commitment proceedings. He also advises county officials on civil liability issues and represents the county in civil actions. He has tried cases at all levels of Idaho's courts, including homicide cases, and has argued his own cases before the Idaho Supreme Court. 

In 2017, Allen became a partner at Silver Valley Law, which represents local public entities, including municipalities, water districts and sewer districts. 

"If selected to become a district judge, I will strive to increase public understanding of the judicial system while approaching my role on the bench with fairness and integrity," Allen said.

Allen’s professional affiliations include the Idaho State Bar, the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association, the Idaho Municipal Attorneys Association, the Idaho Association of Counties, the Association of Idaho Cities and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. 

He has volunteered with numerous conservation and civic service organizations, including Ducks Unlimited, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Silver Valley Kiwanis, Kellogg Rotary, the Silver Valley Snack Pack program, Dare to Imagine and the North Idaho Officials Association. 

His honors include Gonzaga’s Pro Bono Distinction Award, a CALI Award in Legal Writing, recognition as a Top Law Firm Partner by the Idaho Business Journal, a Top 40 Under 40 distinction from the North Idaho Business Journal, the Idaho State Bar’s Professionalism Award, and the Idaho Municipal Attorney’s Pillar of the Community award. 

"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.” 

Although this District Judge position will primarily serve Shoshone and Benewah counties, the election will take place during the upcoming May primary and involve voters from all five northern counties. 

Allen is the first candidate to file a candidate report for the seat with the Idaho Secretary of State, demonstrating a strong start to this campaign and support across the district.