Hello! My name is Ben Mulford and I am a dedicated, life-long public servant. From the Marines to Iowa's Public Guardian and now as a criminal defense attorney, my passion is helping every person who needs it. My wife and I care deeply for our community and we work to instill that passion and responsibility in our young daughter.
I would love to hear from you and have your feedback on how we can improve Woodbury County. I would be honored to earn your vote as County Attorney this November.
As your County Attorney, I will prioritize justice, equality, and integrity, ensuring that every voice in Woodbury County is heard and respected.
I am committed to protecting the rights of every citizen and holding offenders accountable, fostering a safer community for everyone.
I believe in a community governed by and for the people. Your voice matters. Your ideas will help me set the course of criminal justice in Woodbury County.
Together, we can make a difference. Join us in the fight for justice!
This QR code will send you to my ActBlue donation website where you can donate to our campaign.
Ben grew up in Fresno, California to Sioux City parents Jim and Nancy Mulford. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Marines. He finished his stint in the Marines as a Sergeant, having served as a pay clerk in Virginia and Japan and machine gunner in Iraq. After completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management at Fresno Pacific University, he earned a law degree at the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2017. In 2021 he married Abi, a medical social worker, and they moved to Sioux City to be closer to family. They welcomed their daughter, Daisy, in 2024.
Ben’s passion has always been public service, from his time in the Marines to the IRS, Bureau of Reclamation, Iowa Department on Aging, to his current position as an attorney in the Iowa Public Defender’s Office. Working in the local Public Defender’s Office, Ben has seen firsthand the need for criminal prosecutions that provide solace and restitution to the victim as well as solutions for the defendant. Serving as the voice of defendants on Veteran’s Treatment Court and Mental Health Court, he has been inspired by hundreds of defendants choosing to improve themselves and change their paths.
Priority 1: Reduce Waste
Going to court costs money, the majority paid for by taxpayers. A criminal case has many indirect costs: overtime for police officers brought in after their shift, keeping a defendant in jail during the case, lost wages by potential jurors, and more. The decision to charge a case is one that should take into account all of the costs. The County Attorney’s Office must change it's focus from quantity to quality and stop wasting taxpayer money.
Priority 2: Mental Health
Many common crimes: theft, possession of a controlled substance, domestic assault, and more have direct ties to mental health. The County Attorney's Office cannot fix the problem of mental health — but it can do something. Increasing the size and range of mental health court, ending blanket policies about defendants with competency issues, and collaborating with service providers in the area will all help make our community and emergency services safer.
Goal #1: Triple the size of mental health court, to include broadening the scope.
We in Woodbury County are fortunate to have a mental health court. It prioritizes getting services and treatment over punishment. And it works wonders. I've been a part of it for years now and am constantly impressed with the team and the clients. But it can be improved.
I want to increase the number of cases in mental health court to triple the amount it currently has. This will not be as easy as flipping a light switch, but I think it is a resource that many more can and should use. Further, I want to increase the scope to include non-violent felonies. There are a lot of non-violent felonies and those defendants need just as much mental health help.
Goal #2: Start a Homeless Court
In April, 2025, Sioux City received a grant to start a Homeless Court Program (source). As of March, 2026, there is no program. Besides the waste of $25,000 in taxpayer money, this is also another wasted opportunity. There are a great number of homeless people in Sioux City and the County Attorney can help with some of the roadblocks they have to housing. Reducing/waiving fines, helping with driver's licenses, and prioritizing a defendant keeping their job are all things the County Attorney can do to help.
Goal #3: Collect and Use Data
What is the recidivism rate for Woodbury County? Has crime gone up or down since a new County Attorney took over in 2023? I don't know and cannot find that information anywhere. The data exists but it is not being studied to improve practices and community. I will change this.
You can support Ben by volunteering for the campaign, making a donation, or spreading the word about his candidacy among your friends and family. Campaign donations can be made at here or you can use/click the QR code above.If you would prefer to send a check, please email us and we will let you know where you can send it.
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Reach out to: volunteer@benforwoodbury.com or via social media.