Karen Matthee

Karen Matthee, a former journalist, author, and non-profit communications manager, is running as a Democrat for the Idaho State House of Representatives, District 1A in 2026. Born in California, she holds degrees from UC Berkeley and Northwestern University. Her career involved working for newspapers, an NPR affiliate, co-founding a women's publication, and managing communications for international organizations and humane societies. Matthee is running because she feels the state legislature, dominated by a Republican supermajority, isn't addressing critical issues. Her priorities include protecting reproductive rights, bringing OBGYN doctors to Bonner County, and safeguarding Medicare expansion. She is passionate about animal welfare.