Governor Ivey appoints Judge Benjamin Bowden to Alabama Court of Civil Appeals

Grayson Everett

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May 21, 2025

On Wednesday, Governor Kay Ivey appointed Judge Benjamin M. Bowden to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.

Effective immediately, Bowden replaces Judge Bill Lewis, who was appointed to the Alabama Supreme Court following the resignation of Justice Jay Mitchell. Mitchell stepped down earlier this week to run for Alabama Attorney General in the 2026 election.

“Judge Bowden’s impressive record as a legal scholar is matched by his exemplary performance as an attorney, prosecutor and judge,” Ivey said in a statement. “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.”

Bowden has served as circuit judge of the 22nd Judicial Circuit in Covington County since 2016. He was the county’s probate judge from 2008 to 2016.

“I am humbled by the confidence Governor Ivey has shown in allowing me to serve on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals,” Bowden said. “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. Can’t wait to get started.”

Bowden holds a bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Alabama. He earned his officer’s commission through the U.S. Air Force ROTC program and joined the Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps in 1992, serving at Bitburg Air Base in Germany and Aviano Air Base in Italy.

After leaving active duty in 1997, he joined the Andalusia law firm Albrittons, Clifton, Alverson, Moody & Bowden, P.C., where he practiced general litigation. He also served as municipal prosecutor for the City of Andalusia and as an assistant district attorney. During that time, he successfully prosecuted two capital murder cases, including the longest jury trial in Covington County history.

Bowden continued his military service in the Air Force Reserve until retiring in 2023 with the rank of colonel.

The term to which he was appointed will expire in January 2027. However, in the case of this appointment, because Judge Bill Lewis’ seat on Court of Civil Appeals was made in February 2024, Judge Bowden would need to run for a full, six-year term in the November 2026 general election.

Under Alabama Supreme Court opinions, such as the 1988 case Hooper v. Siegelman, the court clarified that appointed judges are required to stand for election at the next general election after serving at least one year in office.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.