Chris Mathias

Chris Mathias is an incumbent State Representative for Idaho's District 19, Seat B, first assuming office in December 2020. A Democrat, he holds the distinction of being the first African American man to serve in the Idaho Legislature and is its only current Black member. Born in Connecticut, Mathias is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Boise State University, a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School, and a Ph.D. in Law and Public Policy from Northeastern University. He resides in Boise with his family, serves as adjunct faculty at Boise State, and is a founding partner at an education consultancy. He has sponsored legislation concerning anti-bullying in schools and is seeking re-election in 2026.