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 that will be vacated by Judge Barbara Duggan, who will be retiring later this year. In Idaho, district judges are usually appointed by the governor unless the vacancy coincides with an election year for the seat. 

Allen joined the Shoshone County Prosecutor’s Office in 2014, originally as a legal researcher before transitioning to a deputy prosecutor in 2015. He was promoted to chief deputy in 2018 and appointed prosecuting attorney in 2022,  winning reelection twice since that time. 

A lifelong Idaho resident, Allen grew up on a farm in rural north Idaho, graduating 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 all types of legal proceedings, including prosecuting 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 courts, including homicide cases and arguing his own cases before the Idaho Supreme Court. 

In the wake of his announcement, Allen has received an outpouring of support from community leaders ranging from mayors to miners. One of these, Shoshone County Commissioner Melissa Cowles, commented on Allen’s work during his tenure as prosecutor. 

“Ben Allen embodies the perfect combination of empathy and strong legal expertise that our community requires on the bench,” Cowles said. “As a county commissioner, my experience collaborating with Ben during his tenure as our prosecutor has significantly deepened my understanding of Idaho statutes and provided me with comprehensive training on open meeting laws. His thoroughness and professionalism are exceptional.” 

In 2017, Allen became a partner in Silver Valley Law, which focuses on representing local public entities such as municipalities, water districts, and sewer districts. The firm also handles civil litigation, estate planning, employment law, property la,w and business law, and serves as general counsel for several businesses. His civil work includes drafting ordinances, resolutions, and other governing documents, as well as advising public bodies on contracts, procurement, employment, and statutory compliance. 

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 the 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. 

Jan Bayer, superintendent of the Bonner County School District and former Kellogg Middle School principal, also spoke about Allen’s work both in and out of the courthouse. 

“Benjamin Allen is a man of integrity that leads by example in both his personal and professional life,” Bayer said. "He earns the trust of others by making sound decisions based on facts and respecting the community in which he lives. He tirelessly advocates for the youth and provides opportunities for them to reach their full potential. His commitment to a safer community is grounded in his wisdom, deep aptitude for the law, and his dedication to treating every individual with fairness and respect.” 

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. 

“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. 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. 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. 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 particular District Judge position will primarily serve Shoshone and Benewah counties, the election for the position will take place during the upcoming May primary and will involve voters from all five northern counties.. Allen is the first candidate who has filed a candidate report for the seat with the Idaho Secretary of State, demonstrating a strong start to this campaign and support across the district.