Endorsement: Our pick in the race for Idaho House in Boise’s District 16B | Opinion
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2024 Election endorsements
The Idaho Statesman editorial board’s endorsements for Ada County Commission, state Legislature and U.S. House of Representatives in the 2024 general election.
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Todd Achilles is a welcome newcomer to Idaho politics. The Democrat running for House seat B in Boise’s District 16 is articulate and clear in his positions. He’s an Army veteran, former tech executive and currently a public policy teacher at the university level.
The Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses Todd Achilles for Idaho House, position B, in District 16.
Achilles is just the kind of person we need in the Legislature. With a Republican supermajority, it’s important to have voices like Achilles’ not only to work across the aisle to get things done but also to present a clear and forceful argument against bad legislation.
Achilles, having served as a replacement halfway through the session this year for Colin Nash, who vacated the seat when he was elected to the Boise City Council, already has a track record for doing so.
His opponent, meanwhile, Republican Jackie Davidson, declined to interview with the Idaho Statesman editorial board for this race.
However, Davidson ran four years ago against Nash and raised several red flags at the time.
Davidson espoused conspiracy theories about vaccines, Bill Gates and hydroxychloroquine, according to previous Idaho Statesman reporting. She has shared social media posts about QAnon and has made social posts with the hashtag #JailFauci. At the time, she told the editorial board she was in favor of school vouchers and imposing a California-style system of calculating property taxes, a terrible idea.
Achilles said his top priorities are fixing Idaho’s abortion law, addressing housing affordability and tackling the crisis of affordability in general.
He said he wants to ensure that the health of the mother is protected, at the very least, when it comes to providing an exception under Idaho’s abortion ban, similar to Utah’s exceptions.
He favors allowing local cities more flexibility when it comes to taxation, including the possibility of a local option tax to address local-specific needs.
He favors eliminating the state sales tax on groceries, and he would like to see Idaho return to a fairer, graduated income tax and corporate tax rate that doesn’t overburden the lower and middle class.
He supports Proposition 1, and he cofounded Veterans for Idaho Voters in support of the effort to pass open primaries and ranked choice voting. He said as a legislator he would oppose any efforts to try to change or repeal the initiative if it passes.
Voters in District 16 have an excellent choice in Todd Achilles.
This story was originally published October 23, 2024 at 4:00 AM.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHow we write endorsements
Who decides the endorsements?
Members of Idaho Statesman editorial board interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The editorial board is composed of journalists and community members. Members of the Statesman editorial board are: Statesman editor Chadd Cripe, opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, newsroom editors Dana Oland and Jim Keyser and community members John Hess, Debbie McCormick and Julie Yamamoto.
What does the endorsement process entail?
The Statesman editorial board meets with political candidates and asks them a series of questions about policy issues. The editorial board discusses the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous. The editorial board generally will not endorse a candidate who does not agree to an interview with the board members.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well-prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues and their understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats. We make recommendations about who the best-qualified candidates for these jobs are.
Why are endorsements unsigned?
Endorsements reflect the collective views of the Statesman’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. Board members all discuss and contribute ideas to each endorsement editorial.
Do I have to vote for the candidate the Statesman endorses?
Of course not. An endorsement is just our recommendation based on the candidates’ backgrounds and their answers to editorial board questions.
Can I disagree with the Statesman’s endorsement?
Of course you can. We encourage voters to do their own research and choose the candidate who best represents your views.
Want your say?
Readers are encouraged to express their thoughts by submitting a letter to the editor. Click on “Submit a letter or opinion” at idahostatesman.com/opinion.
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