Seventh District Judge Steven Boyce Makes Case for Remaining on the Bench
REXBURG — Seventh Judicial District Judge Steven Boyce is defending his seat for the first time in his tenure, facing a contested primary election that marks the first judicial challenge in the district in 12 years.
Boyce has served as a district judge since his appointment by Gov. Brad Little in May 2019. He ran without opposition during the May 2022 election cycle. This year, however, Bonneville County Prosecutor Randy Neal is challenging Boyce, setting up what will be an uncommon contested judicial race for East Idaho voters.
A District Spanning Ten Counties
The Seventh Judicial District is one of Idaho’s largest by geography and jurisdiction, covering Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, and Teton counties. The district serves a broad swath of Eastern Idaho, and the judge who presides over it handles cases ranging from serious felonies to civil matters affecting communities throughout the region.
Boyce recently sat for an extended interview in which he outlined his reasoning for seeking to continue on the bench. He addressed a range of topics, including how plea agreements function within the court system, common misconceptions the public holds about the legal process, and the ongoing debate over allowing cameras inside courtrooms.
A Race Worth Watching for Bonneville County Voters
Neal, who currently serves as Bonneville County’s top prosecutor, announced his intention to challenge Boyce earlier this year. His campaign represents a direct test of voter confidence in the sitting judge. For more on Neal’s perspective and his decision to enter the race, see our earlier coverage: Prosecutor Randy Neal breaks down his decision to run for 7th Judicial District judge.
Contested judicial elections are relatively rare in Idaho, and the Seventh District has not seen one in over a decade. The primary gives voters in Bonneville County and surrounding communities a direct voice in who will preside over the district’s courts.
Both candidates are making their cases to voters ahead of the May primary. The outcome will determine which direction the district’s bench takes heading into the next term.
What Comes Next
Voters across the Seventh Judicial District will cast ballots in the May primary election to determine whether Boyce retains his seat or Neal advances as the district’s next judge. Residents of Bonneville County, which includes Idaho Falls and Ammon, are among those eligible to weigh in on the race. Results are expected to be reported on election night. Stay with Bonneville County News and Idaho News for continuing coverage of local judicial and government races across Eastern Idaho.