There’s no limit to the complexities of political map drawing.
For example, you might live in Boise City Council District 4, which would likely put you in legislative district 18 — that is, unless you live on the Bench, west of Capitol Boulevard but still south of Overland Road and east of Orchard Road — and then you’re in legislative district 17.
And if you live in Garden City, only one legislator shares your municipality. It’s just how the cookie crumbled this time around, which isn’t to minimize the care, time, and power struggles that go into district drawing. But don’t throw your hands in the air just yet, because knowing who makes laws on your behalf — and making sure they’re listening to you — is more important than ever.
Each of Idaho’s 35 legislative districts elect a Senator and two Representatives. You’ve only got three names to know, so here’s a breakdown.
What Legislative District Do I Live In?
Put in your address to find your legislators. (2024 Idaho State Legislature / Google Maps)
Use the interactive map above to find your specific district, which will also show you your representatives and senators.
In the Senate
The six Senators living in Boise constitute just less than one-fifth of the total 35 elected to the Idaho Senate around the state. Five of those in Boise are Democrats, with the exception being President Pro Tempore (the leader of the Senate), Republican Chuck Winder. There are only two Democratic Senators outside Boise: James D. Ruchti of Pocatello, and Ron C. Taylor in Hailey.
Here are the Senators who live within Boise’s borders, or represent a district with any overlap with the city:
- District 15: Sen. James R. “Rick” Just (D)
- District 16: Sen. Ali Rabe (D)
- District 17: Sen. Carrie Semmelroth (D)
- District 18: Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking (D)
- District 19: Sen. Melissa Wintrow (D), Minority Leader
- District 20: Sen. Chuck Winder (R)
In the House of Representatives
Nine of the ten Representatives who live in Boise are Democrats, with the exception of Rep. Dori Healey. There are only two Democratic Representatives outside Boise: Ned Burns of Bellevue, Nate Roberts of Pocatello.
Here are the Representatives who live within Boise’s borders, or represent a district with any overlap with the city:
- District 15: Reps. Steve Berch (D) & Dori Healey (R)
- District 16: Reps. Soñia R. Galaviz (D) & Colin Nash (D)*
- District 17: Reps. John Gannon (D) & Sue Chew (D)
- District 18: Reps. Brooke Green (D) & Ilana Rubel (D), Minority Leader
- District 19: Reps. Chris Mathias (D) & Lauren Necochea (D)
- District 20: Reps. Joe A. Palmer (R) & James Hotzclaw (R)
*Colin Nash is now a City Council member, so he has selected former Boise School District superintendent Don Coberly as his substitute for this legislative session, according to the Idaho Statesman. After the session, Nash will resign and the Idaho Democratic Party will pick three potential replacements. Gov. Brad Little will appoint a replacement from this pool of three.
