Magistrate Judge Aaron Thompson has formally entered the race for a seat on the 6th Judicial District bench in Idaho, setting up a primary contest against sitting District Judge Cody Brower later this month.
Thompson has served as a magistrate judge on the Bannock County Magistrate Court since a 2018 appointment. His opponent, Judge Brower, has held the district judgeship since September 2023, when Gov. Brad Little appointed him to the position.
The 6th Judicial District covers a broad stretch of southeast Idaho, encompassing Bannock, Bear Lake, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida, and Power counties.
Thompson has spoken publicly about his motivations for seeking the higher court position, addressing topics including plea agreements, public misconceptions about the legal system, and whether cameras should be permitted in courtrooms.
The primary election is scheduled for later this month. Both Thompson and Brower have made themselves available to discuss their judicial philosophies and records ahead of the vote. Southeast Idaho residents in the six-county district will decide between the two candidates. Local officials across the region have been preparing election infrastructure, including verification of voting equipment, ahead of the primary.
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