Probate Judge Ben Bowden has announced his intention to seek the office of Probate Judge of Covington County, a position he has held since November of 2008.

“This is probably not much of a surprise to very many people,” Bowden said. “I love my job and the opportunities for service that it brings. I have always intended to run. This just makes it official.”

Bowden earned his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1992. While in law school, he served on the editorial board of the Alabama Law Review and finished in the top 10 percent of his graduating class.

After graduation, Bowden entered active duty with the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, serving at Bitburg Air Base, Germany, and Aviano Air Base, Italy.

He completed his active-duty tour in 1997 and joined the law firm of Albrittons, Clifton, Alverson, Moody, and Bowden, P.C. in Andalusia. While there, he maintained a general litigation practice while also serving as the municipal prosecutor for the City of Andalusia, municipal judge for the Town of Lockhart, and chief assistant district attorney. During this time, he assisted in the successful prosecution of two capital murder cases, one of which is believed to be the longest jury trial in the history of Covington County.

Bowden has remained a member of the Air Force Reserves since leaving active duty. In 2008, Judge Bowden deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqui Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He currently holds the rank of lieutenant colonel.

The probate judge’s office is responsible for probate court, vehicle licensing, public records, and elections. The office has gross receipts each year in excess of $3 million and has employees.

Judge Bowden has held various positions in the community, to include chairman of the Covington County Chapter of the American Red Cross, lay delegate to the 2000 and 2004 General Conference of the United Methodist Church, president of the Andalusia Rotary Club, president of Andalusia Elementary PTO, and Youth League coach. He is married to the former Angela Mobley, who teaches third-grade at Andalusia Elementary School. He and Angie have two children, Anna Beth (16) and Sim (12). The Bowdens are active members of the First United Methodist Church of Andalusia.

“The time has really flown by. It is hard to believe it has almost been three years,” Bowden said. “Every day presents a chance to help someone. I feel like that is why I am here.”