Idaho: Gov. Little announces new appointments

Boise, ID – Governor Brad Little announced today his appointments of Jason Walker and Daniel Clark to serve as District Judges for the Seventh Judicial District, Rick Carnaroli to serve on the Idaho Judicial Council, and Suzanne Hawkins as Twin Falls County Commissioner.

Seventh Judicial District Appointments

Jason D. Walker

Walker is currently a Magistrate Judge with more than 18 years of judicial service, including the past 11 years in the Seventh Judicial District. He previously served for seven years as a Magistrate Judge in the Fifth Judicial District. Prior to becoming a Magistrate Judge, Walker served as an elected prosecutor for Minidoka County and as a partner at the law firm of Ling, Robinson & Walker, where his practice focused on education law and general civil litigation. Walker earned his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho College of Law.

"I am honored by Governor Little's confidence in selecting me to serve as a District Judge for the Seventh Judicial District," Walker said. "I approach this role with a deep appreciation for its responsibilities and a commitment to administering justice fairly, impartially, and in accordance with the rule of law."

The position Walker will fill is chambered in Bonneville County and was created by the retirement of the Honorable Dane H. Watkins, Jr. The Seventh Judicial District encompasses Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, and Teton counties.

Idaho Code § 1-2101 et seq. governs the process for filling judicial vacancies in the Idaho Supreme Court, Idaho Court of Appeals, and District Courts. Under Idaho law, the Idaho Judicial Council submits a list of at least three qualified candidates to the Governor for appointment.

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Daniel R. Clark

Clark has served as the Magistrate Judge in Jefferson County since 2022. He previously served as a deputy and chief deputy prosecuting attorney in Bonneville County from 2002 until 2015, when he was appointed to serve as the Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney and was later elected in 2016 and then reelected in 2020. Clark earned his bachelor's degree from Utah State University, and Juris Doctor from University of Idaho College of Law in Moscow, Idaho.

"I am humbled and honored to be appointed by Governor Little to continue to serve the people the Seventh Judicial District as the Jefferson County District Judge." Clark said. "My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed the Jefferson County community. I look forward to the work ahead and a continued commitment to the rule of law."

The position Clark will fill is chambered in Jefferson County and was created by the retirement of the Honorable Stevan H. Thompson. The Seventh Judicial District encompasses Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, and Teton counties.

Idaho Code § 1-2101 et seq. governs the process for filling judicial vacancies in the Idaho Supreme Court, Idaho Court of Appeals, and District Courts. Under Idaho law, the Idaho Judicial Council submits a list of at least three qualified candidates to the Governor for appointment.

Idaho Judicial Council

Rick Carnaroli

Judge Rick Carnaroli has served as district judge in Pocatello since his appointment in January 2018. Prior to his role as district judge, he served as a magistrate judge in Pocatello from 2004-2018. Carnaroli has been heavily involved in treatment courts, currently directing the Sixth District Veterans Treatment Court from 2012 to present. He is Co-Chair of the Tribal State Court Forum and has served on the Pro Bono Commission since its inception in 2008. Before joining the bench, Carnaroli worked both in private practice and as a city attorney for the City of Pocatello. Carnaroli received his undergraduate degree from Pacific University and Juris Doctor degree from Willamette University.

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"With the Idaho Supreme Court's nomination and the Governor's appointment I look forward to the opportunity to seek confirmation by the Idaho Legislature of my appointment to serve on the Idaho Judicial Council," Carnaroli said. "Many of the Judges I've admired the most have served on the Judicial Council bringing forward the best judicial candidates for our state and maintaining the highest standards of conduct on the Idaho bench. I feel truly blessed and honored to receive Governor Little's appointment."

Judge Carnaroli will be replacing Judge Baskin whose term expired June 30, 2025.

Twin Falls County Commission

Suzanne Hawkins

Hawkins has served the city of Twin Falls on the City Council and as Mayor. Her robust community involvement has included service as Board Member and Chair of the Association of Idaho Cities, Director of the Twin Falls City Youth Council, and Board Member on the Magic Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization. Hawkins and her husband owned and operated a local computer business for nearly 30 years.

"It is an honor to be selected by the Governor and our local Republican Central Committee to serve my community as a County Commissioner," Hawkins said. "I am a principled leader and am ready to help guide our counties growth and development.  Twin Falls has been my home for over 40 years and I am invested in its success."

Hawkins replaces Don Hall who was appointed to the Idaho State Legislature.

Idaho Code section 59-906A governs the process for filling county commissioner vacancies. Under Idaho law, the applicable county central committee submits three candidates for appointment to the Governor. Hawkins will serve until the next County Election in 2026.

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