TL/DR –
The District 16, Seat B position for the Idaho House of Representatives is up for grabs with four Boise Democrats set to face off in the primary elections. The Democratic candidates taking part include Wayne Richey, Jonathan Chu, Nikson Mathews, and Todd Achilles. Despite the Idaho Legislature being dominated by a Republican supermajority, District 16 has been held by Democrats since 2006, and none of the current Democratic candidates have won a legislative election before.
Boise Democrats Vie for Idaho House Position in Upcoming Primary Election
Four Boise Democrats are set to compete in the upcoming primary election for District 16, Seat B position in the Idaho House of Representatives. Despite Idaho being a Republican stronghold, Democrats have maintained control over this district since 2006.
The four Democratic candidates running for the position formerly held by Rep. Colin Nash include Wayne Richey, Jonathan Chu, Nikson Mathews, and Todd Achilles. Campaign finance filings by the Idaho Secretary of State reveal varying levels of financial support for each candidate. Mathews leads with $43,200, followed by Achilles with $40,900, Chu with $9,300, and Richey with $0.
None of the Democrats running this year have won a legislative election previously. However, Richey has campaign experience, having run as an independent candidate for District 16, Seat A during the 2022 general election, where he secured 5.9% of the vote. The winner of the Democratic primary will compete against Boise Republican Jackie Davidson in the November general election.
Candidates Share Views on Key Issues in Idaho
In a questionnaire, candidates outlined their stance on issues such as abortion laws, support for public funding in private education, and policies affecting the LGBTQ+ community. They also discussed their approach to addressing Idahoans’ concerns about growth, housing, and economic security.
Richey emphasizes the need to control growth, tackle the abortion issue, and address political divisions, while Chu advocates for women’s health, LGBTQ+ rights, and the preservation of Idaho’s natural resources. Mathews, an advocate for more diverse representation, focuses on economic security, public education, and bodily autonomy. Achilles, meanwhile, is committed to protecting women’s rights, fully funding schools and universities, and creating a fair economy.
The candidates shared strong views against Idaho’s strict abortion law, with Chu, Mathews, and Achilles supporting measures to amend the law. They all also agreed that public funds should not be used for private education, arguing that it diverts crucial resources away from public schools. On LGBTQ+ rights, all four candidates oppose policies that negatively impact the transgender community and undermine their existence.
Addressing Idahoans’ Concerns
In response to a survey highlighting Idahoans’ concerns around growth, housing, and economic security, the candidates proposed various solutions. Richey pledged to address uncontrolled growth and rising living costs affecting locals, while Chu favors eliminating taxes on groceries and feminine hygiene products, particularly for low-income families. Mathews calls for improved education and job training as well as stronger regulations for property taxes and rent laws. Achilles advocates for more local control and taxing authority, increased housing supply, and raising wages.
*Editorial Note: This article has been updated to reflect accurate information regarding Achilles’ role in Nash’s term and Chu’s campaign fundraising amount.
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