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Jim Woodward

State Senator Legislative District 1

Biography & Background

Jim Woodward is your incumbent Idaho State Senator for Legislative District 1. The district encompasses all of Boundary County and most of Bonner County. He also serves on the Northern Lights Electric Cooperative board and as a fire district commissioner for the Sagle Fire District.
As a ‘citizen legislator’, Jim holds a job outside the legislature, as many others do. He is the owner of a private construction company which specializes in excavation, marine construction, utilities installation, and natural resource restoration work. As a small business owner, Jim understands efficiency, making do with available resources, and communicating with those he serves.
Jim was raised in Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry, Idaho. He graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1988. After high school, he spent a year in Germany as an exchange student. Upon returning from Germany, Jim enrolled at the University of Idaho where he earned a mechanical engineering degree. Following college, Jim joined the U.S. Navy where he served on a nuclear-powered submarine. He completed seven years of active duty and fourteen years in the reserves. His time in the Navy taught him governmental structure, how to work within it, and the importance of participating in our system.
With one term under his belt, Jim has gained a great deal of experience in two primary areas of state government. He serves on the Joint Finance and Appropriations committee, setting budgets for all state agencies. In addition, Jim is a member of the Senate Education Committee, making policy for the state K12 and higher education systems.
Jim has found the position both challenging and rewarding. “Serving the district has been like going to school every day. There are always new folks to meet, new topics to learn, and work to be done. I appreciate your support in the past and hope to continue serving as your state senator.”
Committees: Vice-Chair Transportation, Education, JFAC
Additional Duties: LINE Commission (Leadership in Nuclear Engineering ), Public Defense Commission, Chairman of the Idaho Council on Indian Affairs, Property Tax Study Committee, Cybersecurity Task Force, Idaho Content Standards Review Committee, and Natural Resources Interim Committee

Top 3 Issues:

1. Preserving Idaho freedoms and values. As a Navy Officer and a fourth generation Idahoan, Jim has always supported the U.S. Constitution and the Idaho Constitution. Jim has voted in support of every Second Amendment issue during his four years in office. As a product of our Idaho education system, Jim values education, in whatever form it takes. Through education, we develop the skills, the confidence, and the desire to take care of ourselves and those around us. Through education, we can preserve our state and our nation.
2. The economy. Inflation is here and harder times may be looming on the horizon. Currently, Idaho is experiencing great economic growth and strength, partially due to the influx of new residents. I believe we have positioned ourselves well for more strong results, but also for the possibility of economic challenges. Nationally, we have taken on levels of debt versus gross domestic product that we have seen only during World War I and World War II. As interest rates are raised to combat the high levels of inflation we are starting to experience, the cost of debt service will force decisions that drive the economy further downward. At the state level, we don’t control the storm, but we can make sure we are ready to weather it as best possible. Spending decisions made during the 2022 legislative session will bolster our economy in the short term, during their implementation, and will serve us well into the future, helping us deal with the painful problem of rising food and fuel prices.
3. Protecting the pillars of our society which include maintaining secure borders and secure elections. We must maintain the integrity of the institutions that have allowed us to exist as we have for so many years.

Integrity in Affiliation

Submission: Yes

“I have read the Idaho Constitution and the Idaho Republican Party Platform. Except for the provisions specifically noted below, I support the Idaho Republican Party Platform and accept it as the standard by which my performance as a candidate and as an officeholder should be evaluated. I certify that I am not a candidate, officer, delegate or position holder in any party other than the Republican Party.”

I prefer to elect U.S. Senators by citizen vote.
I believe the current reapportionment system works well.

Contact Info:

Idaho Republican Party
101 S. Capitol Boulevard, Suite 302
Boise, ID 83702
(208) 343-6405

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