Endorsement: Schoolteacher faces a Republican challenger in Boise’s District 16A | 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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The decision to endorse Rep. Soñia Galaviz, D-Boise, in the District 16 race was an extremely easy one.
Galaviz is reasonable, smart, composed, professional, has the right priorities and works well with legislators on both sides of the aisle.
During an interview with the editorial board, her opponent, Republican Chandler Hadraba, showed himself to be rude, inappropriate, unprofessional and at times simply incomprehensible.
The Idaho Statesman editorial board enthusiastically endorses Soñia Galaviz for reelection in District 16, House position A.
Galaviz, a schoolteacher, lists as her top priority protecting and strengthening public education.
She opposes any scheme to introduce vouchers, education savings accounts or tax credits for private education, citing concerns about blowing a hole in the state budget (as other states have experienced) and a lack of accountability.
She supports state funding for public school facilities but wants to make sure small, rural districts are getting their fair share.
She would also support changes to Idaho’s strict abortion ban so that the murky law at least provides exceptions regarding the health of the mother.
She supports eliminating the state sales tax on groceries and said she would bolster the budget by reviewing current state tax exemptions.
She voted against the bad library book ban and bounty bill, and opposed the ban on gender-affirming care for minors.
When asked about the library bill, Hadraba, who was part of a movement to try to disband the Meridian Library District last year, opened up a copy of Hustler magazine, apparently in an effort to make a point about pornography in libraries.
When asked about guns in schools, Hadraba said “the Democratic Party loves to have these bodies to take away our guns, because they love surfing on the coffins of dead children.”
If you’re looking for civil, reasonable dialogue, don’t look to Hadraba.
As a testament to Galaviz’s character, she remained professional, calm and respectful in the face of Hadraba’s comments and behavior.
Galaviz has proved to be an excellent legislator and would continue to be a strong representative for the voters of District 16.
This story was originally published October 24, 2024 at 10:01 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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