Boise-area senator won’t run for reelection — and she has a replacement in mind
Idaho state Sen. Ali Rabe, who represents Garden City and part of Boise, announced Friday that she will not seek reelection in 2026.
Rabe was first elected to the Idaho Senate in 2020, originally in Legislative District 17. She relocated and was elected in District 16 in 2022. The Democrat said in a press release that representing Boise and Garden City was “one of the greatest honors” of her life.
She attributed her decision to step back from politics to her work in the housing sector and the responsibility of raising two children.
“I look forward to finishing my term and will always be committed to public service, but I’ve reached a season of life where how I serve needs to change for now,” Rabe said in the press release. “With a growing body of work in housing and two young boys, I need to work more behind the scenes rather than in elected office.”
Rabe said she will endorse District 16 Rep. Soñia Galaviz to fill her seat in the Senate. Galaviz was not immediately available for comment.
Rabe, who is also an attorney, said she will continue to “mentor new voices who step up to serve.”
As state senator, Rabe worked on bills addressing housing, affordability, public education support and access to public lands.
“I’ve stood up for public education, fair tax policy, and affordable child and health care, and I’ve worked alongside colleagues from both sides of the aisle to pass good legislation,” Rabe said. “That work takes persistence, collaboration, and trust, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
