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BY KAREN BOSSICK Two educators—one with experience in farming and Forest Service work and the other with experience in workforce development--have announced their candidacy for District 26 House seats. ANITA JANIS is running for District 26 Seat A. She will run against Mike Pohanka, who is in his first term in the Idaho House of Representatives.
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Anita Janis says she’s not running to be the loudest voice in the room but, rather, an effective one.
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A lifelong educator and rural workforce development leader, Janis has built career pathways for Idaho students, managed complex public budgets and strengthened partnerships between education and industry. “I’m running to deliver thoughtful, responsible leadership that listens first and focuses on practical solutions,” Janis said. “I spent 14 years teaching English and adult education courses, helping working adults and first-generation students build the skills they needed for stable jobs. “For nearly 15 years as a college dean, I’ve managed workforce training programs, overseen budgets, supported faculty and staff and secured grant funding to expand career pathways. My work has always focused on connecting education to real jobs by partnering with employers to make sure training reflects actual workforce needs.” Her priorities include strengthening public education, expanding workforce training, protecting rural healthcare access, supporting agriculture, tourism and small businesses, and upholding fiscal responsibility.
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Kevin Marsh taught about 20th century U.S. history, environmental history and about Idaho and the American West at Idaho State University.
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Janis serves as Chair of the Jerome County Democrats and Secretary of the Idaho Democratic Party Rural Caucus. KEVIN MARSH is running for District 26 Seat B. He seeks to replace Rep. Jack Nelsen of Jerome, who has said he will not seek re-election. A Bellevue-area farmer, historian, and retired Idaho State University faculty member, Marsh has more than 30 years of public service, including wildland firefighting and Forest Service work.
He co-authored the book “Idaho: The Heroic Journey” and also wrote “Drawing Lines in the Forest: Creating Wilderness Areas in the Pacific Northwest.” He and his wife Erika operate Daisy’s Farm near Bellevue. His priorities include protecting public lands, supporting farms and small businesses, defending public schools, ensuring accessible government and promoting respect and civility in public life. “I will deliver what our state needs today--politicians who work to unite, not divide, and together we will deliver common-sense solutions, not politics for individual gain,” he said.
SEN. RON TAYLOR is seeking to retain his seat in the Idaho Senate. Taylor has represented District 26 in the Idaho Senate since 2022. A Wood River Valley resident since 1982, Taylor previously served 27 years as a firefighter and paramedic with the Wood River Fire & Rescue and Ketchum Fire Department. As a senator, he has focused on strengthening education, protecting public lands and water resources, supporting rural economic stability and defending individual freedoms. He serves on the Senate committees for Agricultural Affairs, Local Government & Taxation, and Resources & Environment. “Protecting what makes our communities strong--from our public schools to our public lands--is essential to our future,” Taylor said.
All three candidates have a shared commitment to strong rural communities, quality public education, stewardship of public lands and practical, responsive leadership, said Deborah Silver, chair of the Blaine County Democrats. “Our candidates represent the best of District 26--leaders rooted in community and ready to serve with integrity,” she added.
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