The League of Women Voters of Pocatello held the “2026 Idaho Legislature Preview”
on January 6. The public was invited to tune-in for the forum on KISU-FM or live via Zoom.
The 2026 Idaho Legislature Preview featured Dist. 28 and Dist. 29 legislators discussing their expectations on issues and bills that are expected to be introduced during the upcoming legislative session. Topics include public education funding, criminal justice, women’s healthcare, voting rights, Idaho energy, healthcare, voting rights, and the state budget.
District 28 comprises all of Power County with portions of Bannock and Franklin Counties. Sen. Guthrie, Rep. Cheatum, and Rep. Garner represent this district. Sen. Ruchti, Rep. Burgoyne, and Rep.Manwaring represent District 29 which includes most of Pocatello.
Sen. Jim Guthrie (R), District 28 – McCammon, is in his 6th term and served in the House from 2010-2012. He is a rancher/business owner. Guthrie is Chair of State Affairs and is on the Commerce & Human Resources and Resources & Environment Committees.
Sen. James Ruchti (D), Dist. 29-Pocatello, is in his second term after serving three terms in the House. He is an attorney and continues as the Assistant Minority Leader. Ruchti is a member of the Commerce & Human Resources; Judiciary & Rules; and State Affairs Committees.
Rep. Rick Cheatum (R), Dist. 28 House Seat A – Pocatello, is serving his second term. He is retired. Cheatum is a member of the following committees: Commerce & Human Resources, Local Government, and Revenue & Taxation.
Rep. Dan Garner (R), District 28 House Seat B -Clifton, is in his second term. He is a farmer/rancher. Garner serves on the Agricultural Affairs; Education; and Judiciary, Rules & Administration Committees.
Rep. Dustin Manwaring (R), District 29 House Seat A, is in his third term after serving one term in the House from 2016-2018. He is an attorney. Manwaring is a member of the following committees: Appropriations, Ethics & House Policy, and Resources & Conservation.
Rep. Tanya Burgoyne (R), Dist.29 House Seat B, is serving her first term. She is a wife, mother, and homemaker. Burgoyne is a member of the Commerce & Human Resources, Environment, Energy & Technology, and Health & Welfare committees.
The League of Women Voters of Pocatello is a non-partisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information about the League contact: lwvpocatelloid@gmail.com.
