Idaho US Attorney Bart Davis announces retirement from Justice Department

Idaho’s top-ranking federal law enforcement official, U.S. Attorney Bart Davis, announced his retirement Wednesday following a long, influential legal and political career in Idaho. 

‘The best job I ever had’: Bart Davis returns as Idaho’s chief federal litigator 

Davis, who is 71 and in his second term as U.S. attorney for the District of Idaho, will retire Oct. 17, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho said.

“I am unable to overstate the privilege it has been to work with the dedicated and remarkable women and men of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Davis said in a written statement. “These great lawyers and support staff faithfully enforce the law, work to keep Idaho and our country safe, support our law enforcement partners and protect the civil rights of others. I am proud of the work they do every day.”

President Donald Trump nominated Davis for U.S. attorney for the District of Idaho last year, and the U.S. Senate confirmed Davis on Oct. 7, 2025 – exactly one year before Davis announced his retirement. 

Davis previously served as U.S. attorney for the District of Idaho from 2017 to 2021 during Trump’s first term. 

Prior to serving as U.S. attorney, Davis practiced law in Idaho Falls and served in the Idaho Senate for 19 years. 

Davis, a Republican, served as Senate majority leader for 15 years, where he was regarded as a powerful and intelligent legislative leader.

“Bart Davis has served the State of Idaho and our country with distinction throughout a remarkable career,” Idaho Gov. Brad Little said in a written statement. “His sound legal judgment, deep knowledge of Idaho and unwavering commitment to doing what is right have been invaluable to our state.”

Davis also served as co-chairman of the 2021 Idaho Commission for Reapportionment, which was charged with redrawing Idaho’s congressional and legislative boundaries following the 2020 census to ensure political representation is proportional. 

During a 2025 interview with the Idaho Capital Sun, Davis called serving as U.S. attorney, “the best job I ever had.”

“… to work with these people who are genuinely trying to even handily apply the laws of the United States of America,” Davis said. “It impressed me then, and it impresses me now.” 

Governor says Davis strengthened relationship between Justice Department and Idaho

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in Idaho, defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States, the office said.

In the past year under Davis’ leadership, the office said it has filed 298 criminal charges, including 103 drug trafficking cases, 89 violent crimes cases, 69 immigration cases and 22 fraud cases.

“During his time as U.S. Attorney for Idaho, Bart strengthened the relationship between Idaho and the U.S. Department of Justice and represented our state with integrity and professionalism,” Little said. “ We will miss his counsel, his wisdom and his steady leadership. I am grateful for Bart’s many years of service and friendship, and I wish him all the best as he enters retirement and has more time to enjoy with his wife, children and grandchildren.”

Davis and his wife, Marion, have six children and 14 grandchildren. Davis and Marion recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.