Governor Brad Little has announced several new appointments to judicial and county positions in Idaho. Jason Walker and Daniel Clark have been named as District Judges for the Seventh Judicial District, Rick Carnaroli will serve on the Idaho Judicial Council, and Suzanne Hawkins has been appointed as Twin Falls County Commissioner.
Jason D. Walker is currently a Magistrate Judge with more than 18 years of experience, including 11 years in the Seventh Judicial District and seven years previously in the Fifth Judicial District. Before becoming a judge, Walker served as an elected prosecutor for Minidoka County and was a partner at Ling, Robinson & Walker law firm, focusing on education law and civil litigation. He holds degrees from Brigham Young University and 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.”
Walker will fill a position based in Bonneville County following the retirement of Judge Dane H. Watkins, Jr. The Seventh Judicial District covers Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison, and Teton counties. According to Idaho Code § 1-2101 et seq., judicial vacancies are filled by gubernatorial appointment from candidates submitted by the Idaho Judicial Council.
Daniel R. Clark has served as Magistrate Judge in Jefferson County since 2022. His previous roles include deputy and chief deputy prosecuting attorney in Bonneville County from 2002 until his appointment as Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney in 2015; he was subsequently elected to that post twice more. Clark is an alumnus of Utah State University and earned his Juris Doctor from University of Idaho College of Law.
“I am humbled and honored to be appointed by Governor Little to continue to serve the people [of] 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.”
Clark’s new position is chambered in Jefferson County after Judge Stevan H. Thompson’s retirement.
Rick Carnaroli has been appointed to serve on the Idaho Judicial Council after serving as district judge in Pocatello since January 2018; before that he was magistrate judge there from 2004–2018. Carnaroli directs Sixth District Veterans Treatment Court since 2012; he also co-chairs Tribal State Court Forum and serves on Pro Bono Commission since its founding in 2008. Prior roles include private practice lawyer and city attorney for Pocatello; he received degrees from Pacific University (undergraduate) and Willamette University (Juris Doctor).
“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 highest standards of conduct on [the] Idaho bench. I feel truly blessed and honored to receive Governor Little’s appointment.”
Carnaroli replaces Judge Baskin whose term expired June 30, 2025.
Suzanne Hawkins will become Twin Falls County Commissioner after service on Twin Falls City Council—including time as Mayor—and involvement with local organizations such as Association of Idaho Cities (as Board Member/Chair), Twin Falls City Youth Council (Director), Magic Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (Board Member). She operated a local computer business for nearly three decades alongside her husband.
“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 county’s 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 joined Idaho State Legislature; she will serve until next county election in 2026 per guidelines set forth under Idaho Code section 59-906A governing county commissioner appointments.
