A career public servant who has spent his entire legal career in the region will be the newest member of the bench for Benton-Franklin Superior Court. 

Gov. Bob Ferguson announced April 15 he was appointing Andrew Howell, effective June 1, to take the seat being vacated by Judge Diana Ruff. He will serve the remainder of Ruff’s term before seeking re-election in 2027. 

“Andrew Howell has spent his entire legal career in Central Washington working hard on behalf of Washingtonians,” Governor Ferguson said. “I’m confident he will provide steady leadership in this joint judicial district.” 

Howell currently serves as the court’s commissioner, a role he’s held since 2022 and has him presiding over a range of civil and juvenile criminal dockets. Prior to that he spent over a decade at the Benton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office where he specialized in complex cases and prosecuted felonies. He was the chief deputy for the prosecutor’s juvenile division for six years.  

“I am deeply honored to serve the communities of Benton and Franklin Counties in this role,” Howell said. “I am committed to upholding the Constitution and ensuring our courts remain fair, accessible and grounded in respect for all who appear before them. I look forward to continuing my work in public service and upholding public confidence in the judiciary.” 

Howell earned his bachelor’s degree from Creighton University and his law degree from University of Montana School of Law.