North Idaho state Rep. Paulette Jordan (D-Plummer) is giving up her seat in the state House of Representatives to focus on her gubernatorial campaign.
Jordan announced the move in a late-night press release, saying "I cannot fairly serve my constituents and run for governor, therefore I am stepping down from my legislative seat. This is necessary to win the Democratic primary and to move toward victory in November. I’m all in for Idaho.”
She won her first term in the Idaho House in 2014, beating out former state Rep. Cindy Agidius. Jordan had narrowly lost to Agidius in 2012 to represent a district that covers Latah and Benewah Counties, including the University of Idaho and parts of the Coeur d'Alene Reservation.
Gov. Butch Otter (R) will appoint a Democrat to replace her through the end of her term, which runs through this November.
Jordan, a member of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and former tribal council member, would be the first Native American governor and Idaho's first female governor if elected.
Her platform includes "a future where all Idahoans receive a high quality public school education, have access to affordable healthcare and livable wages for families who want to enjoy the beauty Idaho has to offer, without the constant fear of how to make ends meet," according to her release.
She faces Boise businessman A.J. Balukoff in the Democratic Party primary May 15 and raised slightly more money than him last year, excluding his own campaign contributions.
Republican heavyweights are also vying for the nomination, including Boise businessman Tommy Ahlquist, Congressman Raul Labrador and Lt. Gov. Brad Little.
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