The only Native American lawmaker currently serving in the Idaho Statehouse says she's running for governor in 2018.
Rep. Paulette Jordan, a Democrat from Plummer and member of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, announced Thursday she would run for governor rather than seek a third term as a state representative.
Jordan's announcement comes at a time when Idaho's current political field is dominated by Republicans. GOP lawmakers hold every statewide and federal elected seat, as well as the majority of the Legislature. Furthermore, Idaho voters haven't swung for a Democratic governor since 1990, when former Gov. Cecil Andrus won his fourth nonconsecutive term.
Jordan will also face a competitive opponent in the Democratic primary against Boise businessman A.J. Balukoff.
Balukoff lost to Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter in 2014 despite spending nearly $3 million of his own funds.
