Richard (rick) Cheatum

Richard Cheatum is the incumbent Republican State Representative for Idaho's District 28A, first elected in 2022 and re-elected in 2024. He previously served approximately eight years on the Pocatello City Council, including as Council President, and held leadership roles with the Association of Idaho Cities and local civic groups. Cheatum champions local authority input over one-size-fits-all state mandates, advocates for realistic fiscal notes, and opposes omnibus bills. He believes in managing growth to sustain lifestyle and is active in hunting and conservation organizations. While a Republican, his lifetime Idaho GOP score averages 45%, indicating limited alignment with the party platform, though he scores highly on American Family, Religious Liberties, Education, and Law and Order. He is seeking re-election in 2026.