HAYDEN, Idaho — Voters in Idaho’s First Judicial District will have a choice between two candidates for an open district judge seat. The district includes Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah, Bonner and Boundary counties and the candidate who wins the election will fill the open seat left by Judge Barbara Duggan’s upcoming retirement in Shoshone County.
Benjamin Allen is currently the Shoshone County Prosecutor, a position he’s twice been elected to fill. He grew up in Idaho, is a married father of two, has no history of federal or state tax liens and has never had his driving privileges suspended.
At the end of the interview, Mr. Allen was given the opportunity to tell the electorate more about his candidacy and why voters should cast a ballot for him.
“These judicial elections don’t come along very often,” Mr. Allen stated. “The vast majority of district judges will take the bench through the appointment process, not the election process.”
He continued, “I would encourage you to take time to research the candidates. Get to know their background, get to know their heart, get to know their desires for public services and take advantage of the opportunity that we’ve been given in this circumstance.”
Mr. Allen addressed the following questions to help inform the electorate about his candidacy:
- Greeting and Introduction
- As an attorney, in what area of the law do you have the most familiarity? (minute 2:37)
- How would you characterize your judicial philosophy? (minute 5:54)
- How does a judge interpret statutory or constitutional provisions without contemplation of personal values or views? (minute 6:47)
- Do you believe originalism should be used to interpret the constitution? (minute 7:54)
- How will you practice judicial restraint? (minute 8:44)
- In areas where the law allows for judicial discretion, what factors will you consider in your decisions? (minute 10:43)
- How will you ensure that you will remain impartial, not favoring either the defense or prosecution (or plaintiff/respondent in civil cases)? (minute 13:24)
- How would you handle a high-profile criminal case or high-profile civil case with political implications? (minute 16:59)
- How will you maintain decorum in your courtroom? (minute 24:46)
- The Idaho legislature recently updated a law to allow for the death penalty to be sought in cases charged with aggravated lewd conduct against a minor under the age. Do you hold any moral objection to presiding over death penalty cases? (minute 27:58)
- How will you promote transparency of the judicial process in your courtroom? (minute 30:01)
- What would you like the electorate to know regarding your candidacy and why should an eligible voter cast a ballot for you? (minute 34:19)
Editor’s note: Both judicial candidates seeking election for the open district judge seat were offered an on- or off-camera interview on April 10, 2026 via email. Mr. Allen was interviewed on April 16 in Hayden, Idaho. Ms. Chesebro requested a written questionnaire interview, which was provided via email on April 16 and returned on April 20. Both candidates were presented with the same questions. Mr. Allen’s interview and Ms. Chesebro’s interview were published on the evening of April 21.
