CANYON COUNTY DEMOCRATS
WELCOME!
Upcoming Elections
2024 Election Dates: General, Nov. 5
The Canyon County Elections Office is at 1102 E. Chicago, St., Caldwell, ID 83605
Absentee ballots must be requested for each calendar year.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the November 5, 2024 election is October 25, 2024. Request a 2024 ABSENTEE BALLOT
U.S. House Representative
Kaylee Peterson
Kaylee Peterson is a 34-year-old mother of two and a full-time college student double majoring in political science and criminal justice. As the president of the eight-time national championship speech and debate team she has a passion for policy and government with an ability to look at complicated issues from any angle, as the chief of staff for her school she championed collaboration between faculty, staff, and students while pursuing programs that enhanced student’s experience on campus. She has experience working for local campaigns, non-profits, and volunteer events as well as being a foster parent. As a sixth generation Idahoan, she grew up learning about the values that made Idaho great; perseverance, community, collaboration, and kindness, values that are getting harder and harder to find in our political leadership. Kaylee and her husband Trevor just celebrated their ten-year wedding anniversary and raise their two school age children on a street named after her great-grandfather. Kaylee is committed to bringing reasoned, bipartisan leadership back to Idaho to focus on the issues that truly matter, putting people over party and rebuilding accountability and transparency in our political process.
Canyon County Commissioner
District 3
Kyle Thompson
Kyle comes from a background in IT and organizational leadership. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor's degree in IT Management. Over the last several years, Kyle has held leadership positions in for-profit businesses, primarily within IT. His focus is on process improvement, procedure development, and identifying and maximizing efficiencies. Kyle enjoys helping his team members whenever possible and believes a successful organization requires support and dedication from everyone.
Kyle has lived in the Treasure Valley for about five years, after moving from the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area with his partner. As the community has continued to grow, Kyle has become increasingly concerned with the lack of critical infrastructure development, the shortage of affordable housing, and the continual attacks on the counties by the legislature. If elected as County Commissioner, Kyle intends to address the infrastructure failures plaguing the county and scrutinize county spending to correct its course.
Kyle also wants to focus on zoning and planning regulations, as well as development impact fee assessments. He believes the role of the government should be to encourage growth and development rather than stifle it. In the construction field, zoning and planning that align with the needs of the county and the expectations of builders are critical. Additionally, a deeper look is needed to ensure that construction impact fees provide greater benefits than the subsequent increase in housing prices they cause.
In addition to his housing concerns, Kyle is deeply troubled by the state of the county jail. The jail has been plagued with overpopulation for far too long, recently leading the county to house female inmates in refurbished semi-trailers in one of the yards. There have also been reports of the commissary and communication systems costing family members significant funds to provide basic necessities to inmates and to stay in touch with them. This is an appalling system, and we should be doing better. A thorough review of our jail system is critical to ensure we are providing a safe environment for inmates that maximizes their opportunity for successful rehabilitation so they can re-enter society better equipped.
Overall, Kyle wants to bring humanity and trust to the County Commissioners. He aims to create a stable workplace, use the people’s money effectively, and ensure the county provides the best possible service to the residents of Canyon County. Furthermore, he seeks to foster a relationship with the legislators within Canyon County to enhance the voice of the commissioners when bills are presented in the state legislature, ensuring the county has the tools needed to continue supporting the people.
District 9 Senate Rachel Buck
My name is Rachel Buck, I am the conservative District 9 candidate, ready to represent my constituents and protect individual freedoms. I am a fourth generation Idahoan who knows what real Idaho values are. I graduated from BSU with a B.S. in Psychology and a certificate in Mediation. For nearly 2 decades I managed several law offices in Boise where I handled State and Federal cases, including the largest 9th district case in history. I have seen firsthand how Idaho’s laws and policies impact real people. I am running as a Democrat because our majority party has had 30 years and yet we are still working for tax relief, property rights, preservation of our drinking and irrigation water, protection of agriculture, public school funding, access to quality health care and affordable prescriptions. If the Democrats had been in control over these past 3 decades I’d be running as a Republican! The runaway growth we are experiencing across the valley is only compounding these issues. Preservation of our land, water and air are non-partisan issues that are vital for Idaho’s success.
I believe the best government is one that represents its citizens. When our lawmakers care more about catering to industry lobbyists than they do protecting Idaho families, we the people pay the price. I believe the biggest challenges Idahoans in District 9 face include:
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Controversial oil and gas drilling operations – this corporate and government overreach violates our property rights and property values, threatens public health, drinking water, our iconic rivers, irrigation systems and sensitive wildlife areas.
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Funding for public schools - I believe strongly in school choice but supporting private schools and/or homeschooling by draining public school funds is not only bad for our kids, but it’s a blatant violation of the Idaho constitution
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Property tax relief - developers must start paying their fair share for the impacts of out-of-control growth on our groundwater, schools & roads instead of long-time Idahoans being taxed out of the homes we’ve owned for generations in order to protect their profit margins.
We deserve representation that will stand up for all D9 residents – whether we live in a small home on a ¼ acre lot in a subdivision, or work a thousand acre ranch on the bank of the Payette River. I hope to restore the notion of small government, provide transparency, and earn the trust of my constituents. I promise to legislate in the best interests of my constituents, never choosing party platforms or special interests groups over people. My opponent is constrained to act by party politics and adhere to an extremism loyalty oath. Our constitutional rights are non-negotiable. I ask for your vote so your voice can matter and we can keep this great State of Idaho the place we love to call home.
District 9 House Seat A Thomas Albritton
Hello, my name is Thomas Albritton. I am running for Idaho State House of Representative Seat 9A. I am a father of 3 and grandfather of 6 and live in Weiser, Idaho. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from Boise State University in 2018 and 2021. I spent 20-plus years in construction as a commercial and residential painter. I also worked in retail and the dairy industry in and around southern Idaho. I am running because, like many of you, I don’t recognize the Idaho we moved to in 1975. I remember when Idaho was a little bit Democrat a little bit Republican and a little bit Independent. We all worked together to solve the problems that Idaho faced. But unfortunately, what we see today is not that great Idaho that came together to solve problems.
What we see now is the dominant political party more concerned with power than the welfare of all Idaho citizens. We need leaders who believe in equality for all. We need leaders who will work for all Idahoans. We need leaders who will focus on fully funding education so our children and grandchildren can succeed in life. Just imagine how well our children and grandchildren would be doing if the so-called budget surplus were used to fix schools, pay teachers, and upgrade technology in every school in Idaho. We need leaders who will stand up for women’s reproductive rights, not make them second-class citizens. We need leaders who don’t demonize libraries and librarians because the last time I checked nothing good came from that ideology.
I believe we can reset and restore policies, so they work for all Idahoans. We have a chance right now to bring Idaho back to the future and not dwell in the past of hate, bigotry, and racism. We need leaders who will protect our voting rights and our process of voter initiatives. Unlike the dominant party in Idaho which voted against feeding school- age children in the summer, we need leaders who will ensure our school- age children don’t go hungry through the summer. We have a chance in Idaho to turn the page on hate and make Idaho safe for all. My loyalty is to the Idaho Constitution, the U.S. Constitution, and you, the voters not a party.
I am not asking for donations. I only ask that you pass the message on to all who will listen. There are great candidates throughout Idaho so please vote for change to reset and restore Idaho.
I am asking for your vote and to vote for people who will work for you. Thank you.
District 9 House Seat B
Jody Keeler
My name is Jody Keeler, and I am running to be your next State Representative for District 9 House Seat B. With 48 years of blue-collar work experience, from flipping burgers at 14 to concluding my career as a dump truck driver in highway construction, I understand what it means to work for a living. I worked all while volunteering as an EMT, for the Red Cross, and serving as a caregiver for both my mother, Eva, and my brother, Greg.
I'm motivated to run for state representative by a compelling need for change. The bills passed during the last session by the majority party often overlook the crucial issues that matter most to hard-working families in our community. The lack of constituent services and transparency erodes trust and accountability within our government. Our current legislative body lacks balance and the core principles of freedom. We urgently require dedicated legislators who prioritize constituents over party doctrine.
In my conversations with voters, education consistently emerges as the primary concern, particularly regarding the ongoing need to pass bonds and levies. Addressing this issue is pivotal, and one key aspect lies in revenue generation. Idaho squanders $5.2 billion annually in tax exemptions that never expire or undergo review. A modest reevaluation of just 5% of these exemptions could generate $250 million annually for school infrastructure, accumulating to $1 billion every four years. This presents a significant solution to the funding obstacles faced by our education system, eliminating the need for bonds and levies that inflate property taxes.
As your State Representative, I am wholeheartedly committed to placing the needs of our district at the forefront of my agenda. I will revitalize constituent services and amplify community voices through proactive town hall meetings. Your concerns are paramount, and I am fully dedicated to understanding and addressing them. With unwavering commitment, I am the ideal candidate to serve and advocate for you in this position.
I humbly ask for your vote and support, believing that together, we can effect positive change for our district and our state. Thank you for considering me as your representative.
District 10 Senate Letishia Silva
Born and raised in the beautiful state of Idaho, I am a true native who deeply cares about our community. My values were shaped by my parents - an educator and a carpenter, who emphasized the importance of education, hard work, and integrity. Growing up in a rural area, public education played a pivotal role in my life, making me a staunch advocate for it. I have witnessed firsthand the challenges teachers face due to lack of support, resources, and the immense pressure they endure to ensure a child’s wellbeing and progress. It’s the resilience of our teachers that keeps our community thriving and our children dreaming.
I am committed to championing inclusivity and equality for the all-minority communities within district 10. I believe that hate and fear have caused many problems in this world, yet they have not solved any. It disheartens me to see these negative emotions being used to divide Idahoans and manipulate our laws to serve the government rather than the citizens it is meant to protect. The arrogance and ignorance that impact families simply for being human, for being in love, not knowing the language but choosing Idaho as their home for the betterment of their families to raise children, baffles me.
Proudly married to a union worker, I stand with our brothers and sisters who build, teach, and pave our communities. These hard working individuals, who rise before the sun, wear a multitude of hats in a day and do the backbreaking, often thankless work, are the backbone of our community. Every electrician, every carpenter, every plumber/pipe fitter, police officer, firefighter and teacher to name a few, matter. The fact that their salaries are below national averages is a concern that does not surprise me, but it is one I am committed to addressing.
Throughout my career, I have worked for organizations that value diversity and thrive on inclusivity, compassion and integrity. As an Executive Office Administrator for a managed care organization, I have seen the positive impact of giving back and addressing the social determinants of health populations, not just in Canyon County, but across the state of Idaho. I have had the privilege of being part of something bigger than myself.
My name is Letishia. I work full-time, a mother of four, and the wife of an amazing man. Baseball is a significant part of our lives: from watching our teams to playing the game throughout the year. Music, faith and reading provide solace when life gets overwhelming. You can’t have politics without principles and I am dedicated to promoting equality for everyone, regardless of color, race, political affiliation, or socioeconomic status. A firm believer in the Golden Rule – TREATpeople how you would want to be treated. It’s a simple principle, but one that I feel needs to be reminded of more often in today’s world.
Every voice matters, every vote counts.
District 10 House Seat A Nancy Parker
Nancy Parker grew up in Indiana, loved reading, gardening, and the outdoors. She was a National Merit Scholar in high school, earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Music at Andrews University in Michigan, where she met and married her husband. She has two daughters, two grandchildren, and was widowed in 1996.
She taught in both private and public schools, in Alabama, Michigan, and Washington state, before moving to Idaho in 1983. She spent most of her working life as a Certified Nurse Assistant, caring for the elderly and developmentally disabled, with some forays into editing and publishing. She is also a certified massage therapist. Now retired, she owns a very small organic farm outside Middleton.
District 11 Senate
Toni Ferro
Toni is running to represent Caldwell in the State Senate. She is a 5th generation Idahoan and a proud graduate of Caldwell High School. She worked in the high tech industry for over a decade and then earned her PhD from the University of Washington’s College of Engineering.
Her campaign priorities are related to the issue that she has heard about the most from people in Caldwell: unmanaged growth. Her primary concerns are housing, education, roads, water, and farmland.
District 11 House Seat A
Anthony Porto
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I'm running to be your next state representative in District 11. Major priorities for my campaign are education, responsible growth, transparency, housing, wages, transportation and combating extremism.
I have NOT signed loyalty oaths to a party platform and I'm NOT bought and paid, compared to other politicians. I answer to voters like you and the law, not outside interest groups. I want voters to know I will focus on constituent services, and bring community members to the capitol to see the work being done in real time. I will respond to your messages and meet with you compared to what you may get from our current representatives. We need to bring back trust in our government. We need more eligible voters registering to vote, more voters believing in the government and participating. We need more participation from our Latino community, our college students and our new voters. The focus is on you, the voter.
District 11 House Seat B
Marisela Pesina
For those who do not know me, I'm Marisela Pesina. I am running for Idaho State Legislature, District 11, Seat B. I am ready to represent my constituents and protect individual freedoms.
With the rapid growth our state is experiencing, my goal is to contribute to the development of community that offers gainful employment opportunities, ensures food security, provides affordable housing, and delivers high-quality education. I am committed to creating a pathway to a better life for all families including those who have lived here for generations and those who have recently arrived. We must preserve our public lands to ensure that future generations can benefit from them and have the opportunity to work hard and build a better life for themselves.
My experiences have equipped me to serve in this capacity, notably as a migrant farm worker, where I developed mental and physical stamina, fortitude, and collaboration. These skills were evident in my community service with organizations such as Boys Scouts, PTO, Band Boosters, and Rotary Club. I have been a Caldwell School Board Trustee member for seven years and currently serve as chair. Additionally, I am a Board of Trustees member for the Community Council of Idaho. As an escrow officer and assistant director at a local housing authority, I have helped individuals and families secure housing for over 20 years. I have also advocated for extended family members, guiding them through their challenges.
The most significant challenges Idaho faces that I would prioritize in this position would be the lack of funding for public education, a better economy for the residents of Idaho, protecting our natural resources, and keeping the promise of a democratic republic founded upon justice, liberty, and equal rights.
As a lifelong citizen of Idaho, born and raised in Caldwell, I strongly feel all the residents of District 11 deserve representation that will stand up for them. This includes first time renters, homeowners on a small lot in a subdivision, trailer park residents, farm families, and small business owners. I am committed to reinstating the principles of limited government, enhancing transparency, and building the trust of my constituents. My pledge is to solely act in the best interests of the people I represent, without regard for political parties or special interests’ groups. Our constitutional rights are non-negotiable. I ask for your vote so that your voice can be heard, and we can preserve the greatness of Idaho, our beloved home.
District 12 House Seat B
Don Benson
Hello Folks, my name is Don Benson, and I am running for State Representative in District 12 seat B. My family and I have been living in Treasure Valley for nearly 25 years. I am a retired engineer with Micron/Intel where I worked in the Yield Analysis group for over 26 years in R&D and manufacturing.
Since retiring, I have spent a great amount of time volunteering as a Master Gardener helping folks about issues they have with their yards and gardens and teaching gardening classes. My specialty is teaching how to grow your own garlic. Over the last 3 years, I helped a small MG group with growing over 2000 vegetables/herbs and flowers. We then distribute these plants in early May to about 320 families in Canyon County area to help and educate them about growing their own food in their backyards.
My main reason for running has been the ongoing attack on our local libraries and librarians. But I am also running to protect our neighbors and friend by not limiting absentee voting, giving women the right to make their own health decisions, expanding public education and saying No to school vouchers, providing quality accessible health care for all, promoting equity/justice/opportunity for all, and keeping our water, we drink and air we breathe clean and safe for everyone.
So, I am asking for your support to help us toward a better direction from extremist views and steering us all toward a better path so all Idahoans can have a more productive and enjoyable future.
District 13 Senate
Sarah Butler
Hello, my name is Sarah Butler and I am running for Idaho State Senate in District 13. I moved to Nampa 25 years ago for a job. I chose to stay, after I met Matthew, the love of my life. We have two children who are now teenagers. Our eldest starts college in the fall.
Over the course of the last 25 years I've had several jobs including working in manufacturing, offices, and substitute teaching. I earned a Bachelor's degree in Accountancy from Boise State University. I have also run two small businesses. Recently, I served on the Nampa School Boundary Committee.
I’m running, because the legislature is more concerned with fighting a culture war on the backs of our children, than solving Idaho’s problems, like housing and property taxes, growth, and sustainable funding for public schools.
District 13 House Seat A
Cliff Hohman
I'm a long time Nampa resident (with a brief stint in Caldwell) and I enjoy the diverse natural beauty of Idaho, but I'm often ashamed or even horrified at the politics in the State Capitol. The sad thing is, I don't even think that the antics they get up to are really popular. It's just that nobody believes they can do much about it, so they check out and stop paying attention. I doubt criminalizing librarians or attacking trans kids is high on people's list of priorities, even among folks who are sympathetic to those views. I think what people really need is government that helps them in their daily life. Paying the rent. Buying groceries. Holding a good job. Having a great school for their kids. These are the things that matter to folks, whether they're diehard MAGA or bleeding heart socialists. And it's not getting done.
And yes, I'm a progressive. I believe abortion care is healthcare, and that we all deserve healthcare. I've known for a long time that the climate crisis was an existential threat. But I'm also practical. I know I'll have to moderate my views on some things until the public comes around. Idahoans won't get on board with these issues just because we tell them they ought to. We have to earn their trust. We have to show them why these things are important. We have to talk in a way that makes sense to them, show them how they are impacted by these things. If the best we can do at first is baby steps, then I'll take baby steps over stumbling backwards like our current crop of Republicans seems hell bent on doing.
District 23 Senate
Paul Morgan
District 23 House Seat A
Wendy Coome
District 23 House Seat B
Julissa Melendez Castellanos
Julissa is a graduate of Wilder schools and is currently enrolled in the College of Western Idaho. She is pursuing an associates degree in political science and is bilingual in English and Spanish. An Hispanic, she hopes for more Hispanic/Latino representation in politics. She has worked closely with the Idaho Democratic Party, Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and the Community Council of Idaho. She uses her platform for farmworker justice, education, and reproductive healthcare.
Democratic District 9 Senate Candidate
Democratic District 9 House Seat A Candidate
Democratic District 9 House Seat B Candidate
Democratic District 10 Senate Candidate
Democratic District 10 House Seat A Candidate
Democratic District 10 House Seat B Candidate
Democratic District 11 Senate Candidate
Democratic District 11 House Seat A Candidate
Democratic District 11 House Seat B Candidate
Democratic District 12 Senate Candidate
Democratic District 12 House Seat A Candidate
Democratic District 12 House Seat B Candidate
Democratic District 13 Senate Candidate
Democratic District 13 House Seat A Candidate
Democratic District 13 House Seat B Candidate
