State Representative Seat A District 1 in Idaho State House District 1, Idaho

2026 Primary Election

• Karen Matthee — Candidate for State Representative Seat A District 1 in Sandpoint, ID

  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.

• Jane Sauter — Candidate for State Representative Seat A District 1 in ID

  Jane Sauter is a Republican candidate for Idaho State Representative District 1 Seat A, running to bring a fresh perspective and in a rematch against incumbent Mark Sauter, to whom she is unrelated. Her platform emphasizes deep cuts to state government, including opposition to spending on illegal immigration, stating that undocumented immigrants "must all go out and come back in lawfully." She advocates for school choice and firmly opposes "the transgender agenda," asserting that children's born gender is "PERFECT." Sauter also supports repealing the grocery tax, eliminating property taxes, redirecting LAUNCH funds, and implementing strict oversight for state agencies to ensure fiscal responsibility.

• Mark Sauter — Incumbent Idaho House of Representatives, District 1A in Sandpoint, ID

  Mark Sauter is a second-term Republican State Representative for Idaho's District 1A, serving Bonner and Boundary Counties. First elected in 2022 and re-elected in 2024, he is seeking re-election in the 2026 primary. His public service career focuses on responsible representation for North Idaho, prioritizing local-control conservatism. He sits on the Agricultural Affairs, Education, and Resources and Conservation committees. Sauter champions public safety, education choice, healthcare access, and tax cuts, supporting conformity of Idaho's tax code with federal rules. His voting record largely aligns with the Republican majority. He is endorsed by various business, labor, and veterans' organizations.