Gov. Kay Ivey appointed Benjamin Bowden to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Wednesday.
Bowden has been the circuit judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit in Covington County since 2016. He was previously that county’s probate judge.
“Judge Bowden’s impressive record as a legal scholar is matched by his exemplary performance as an attorney, prosecutor and judge. He has steadfastly demonstrated a dedication to justice and fairness under the law. I have the utmost confidence that he will serve with the highest integrity,” Ivey said in a written statement.
The appointment was immediate and followed a judicial domino effect earlier in the week when Jay Mitchell resigned from the Alabama Supreme Court to run for attorney general in 2026 and Ivey appointed former civil appeals Judge Bill Lewis to the supreme court.
“I am humbled by the confidence Governor Ivey has shown in allowing me to serve on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals,” Bowden said in a written statement. “Angie and I are thrilled at this new opportunity. I’m a public servant at heart and I look forward to serving the people of Alabama in this important and exciting way.”
Bowden has undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Alabama and served in the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He was a member of the Air Force Reserves until his retirement in 2023 with the rank of colonel.
He also has private-practice law experience.