Who is running to represent Idaho’s Legislative District 16? Hear from the candidates

Seven candidates are vying to represent Boise and Garden City in the Nov. 8 general election races to serve Legislative District 16.

District 16 encompasses about 52,000 residents in the Treasure Valley. The Boise River runs through the district that begins at the Connector, stretches north to State Street and includes Garden City and Boise’s West End. All legislative seats are for two-year terms.

Ali Rabe, who previously represented District 17 in the Idaho Senate, is running in her new district for a seat in the Senate. Rabe, a Democrat, faces Dennis Mansfield, a Republican.

Rabe is the executive director of Jesse Tree, the nonprofit eviction and homelessness prevention organization that serves Ada and Canyon counties. Mansfield describes himself on his website as a long-time Garden City resident who worked as a lobbyist for nearly 10 years in the Idaho Capitol and now works as a business coach.

In the Idaho House position A race, Democrat Soñia Galaviz will face previous Boise mayoral candidate and independent Wayne Richey and Republican Mark Montoya.

Galaviz is an Idaho teacher and said she would prioritize adequately funding schools, supporting rural districts and retaining qualified teachers. Richey’s major concern is growth, a platform he also ran on in the Boise mayor’s race. He said he hopes to address the challenges local Idahoans face in the expensive real estate market.

For the district’s second House seat, Democratic Rep. Colin Nash, will try to stave off a challenge by Republican Jackie Davidson.

Nash, an attorney, is seeking his second term in the House and said, if reelected, he would prioritize education funding and affordable housing. Davidson is a 40-year Boise resident, according to her campaign website. She is running on a platform of “keeping freedom and rights for every Idahoan.”

The Idaho Statesman sent surveys to each of the candidates in contested races on a variety of issues, including their priorities, what they wish the Legislature had done last session and what issues they think aren’t being discussed enough. Their responses are copied below, unedited.

Mansfield, Montoya and Davidson did not respond to the survey.

Learn more about other local elections at IdahoStatesman.com/voter-guide.

Use the horizontal scroll bar underneath each Q&A as needed to read the full Q&A. You also can click on the chart and drag horizontally.