Who is running for Magistrate Judge, Bonner County (First Judicial District) in 2026?
Here are the candidates for Magistrate Judge, Bonner County (First Judicial District) on the November 3, 2026 ballot. This race is on the ballot for voters in Bonner County.
This is a retention vote: voters decide yes or no on keeping this judge for another term. Judges may not promise how they would rule, so we show experience and record instead of issue positions.
Luke Hagelberg
· IncumbentMagistrate Judge, Bonner County (First Judicial District)
Luke Hagelberg is a Bonner County magistrate judge and the only name on the November 3, 2026 ballot for this seat, which is a yes-or-no retention vote1346. The First Judicial District Magistrate Commission selected him in 2024 to fill the vacancy created by Judge Lori Meulenberg's retirement2. Before that he was Bonner County's chief public defender and had been licensed in Idaho since 20132.
- Magistrate Judge, Bonner County, First Judicial District, listed in the county courts directory5
- Chief public defender for Bonner County before his selection2
- Licensed to practice law in Idaho since 20132
- Selected by the Magistrate Commission of the First Judicial District, announced on May 31, 2024, to fill the vacancy from Judge Lori Meulenberg's retirement2. Idaho Code 1-2220 requires an appointed magistrate to stand for a yes-or-no retention vote at the first general election after the 18-month period set in 1-22074. Bonner County's 2026 election calendar lists Magistrate Judge Retention on the November 3 ballot3, and the Secretary of State's list shows him as the only nonpartisan magistrate candidate for Bonner County1. The county's November 3, 2026 sample ballot asks 'Shall Magistrate Luke Hagelberg of Bonner County of the First Judicial District be retained in office?' with Yes and No choices6.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Spotted something wrong? Every claim links to its source so you can check it yourself.