Endorsement: Democrats seek Idaho House seat in West Boise district | Opinion
Democratic voters in legislative District 16 have two very good candidates to choose from in the primary race for seat 16A.
Jeffrey Watkins and Megan Woller are seeking to replace Soñia Galaviz, who is vacating the seat to run for Senate.
Woller has the endorsements of outgoing Sen. Ali Rabe as well as Sen. Melissa Wintrow and House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel.
She also earns ours: The Idaho Statesman endorses Megan Woller in the Democratic primary for Idaho House seat 16A.
In her interview with the editorial board, she was knowledgeable about a variety of issues from the sales tax on groceries, abortion and 287 (g) agreements with ICE to education funding, Medicaid and marijuana. Woller also has substituted for legislators in the past and cites Galaviz as a role model as a collaborator and as a Democrat in a supermajority Republican Legislature.
Watkins, 28, a high school science teacher and teachers union organizer, impressed us with his wide breadth of knowledge of the issues as well as his passion.
But we give Woller the edge, based on her polish and detailed knowledge on several issues.
Woller, 32, is executive director of the Idaho Head Start Association.
Her top priorities, if elected, are early childhood education and child care infrastructure, affordable housing and establishing heat protection standards for workers.
She said she’d like to see the state create an early childhood trust, funded by tax-incentivized corporate donations. Proceeds would be used for more Head Start slots and increasing child care access by combining state, employer and parent contributions..
This is her area of expertise, and she speaks eloquently and with deep knowledge about the long-term benefits of early childhood education.
She said she’d like to continue the housing advocacy legacy of Rabe, who is leaving the Senate in District 16 to run the statewide Gem State Housing Alliance.
Finally, Woller would like to re‑introduce and pass heat protection standards for workers such as farmworkers, construction workers and warehouse workers. She’s not proposing something radical, just basic requirements, such as water, shade, education about heat‑related illness and protections so workers can safely speak up.
We like that she brings such a specific, solutions-oriented proposal to her campaign – a proposal that should be bipartisan and practical.
This race is a bright spot, as it features two young Idahoans who are knowledgeable about the issues, offer practical solutions to make Idaho a better place and are getting involved in politics.
If Watkins does not win this race, we hope he stays in politics.
Watkins tells a compelling story about how he has been afforded the opportunity to live “the Idaho dream,” with a good public school education but says he’s running because he sees “the Idaho dream slip further and further away.”
His top priorities are public education, protecting Medicaid and abortion access and ensuring housing and transportation affordability.
The candidates, as expected, agree on a lot of the issues, so it may come down to whose style you prefer coming from a Democrat in a Republican supermajority Legislature.
In this race, we prefer Woller and encourage voters to send her to the general election in November.
Statesman editorials are the opinion of the Idaho Statesman’s editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe, assistant editor Jim Keyser and community members John Hess, Debbie McCormick and Julie Yamamoto.
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, assistant editor 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.
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