Top Idaho Democrat State Legislator Throws in the Towel, Likely to be Replaced With a Republican

Top Idaho Democrat State Legislator, Michelle Stennett, who is also the Senate Minority Leader (D-Ketchum) has thrown in the towel and won’t seek re-election.

“In a brief statement, Michelle Stennett said her time in the Senate has been ‘an extraordinary and humbling experience.’ “

In a brief statement, Michelle Stennett said her time in the Senate has been “an extraordinary and humbling experience.”#idleg #idpol https://t.co/3r81L6Vmum

— Boise State Public Radio News (@KBSX915) February 7, 2022

Stennett has announced that she will not seek re-election as she has served as a legislator for more than a decade. After her husband tragically died from cancer in 2010, she filled his seat and has served ever since.

She released a statement saying, “My time as a Senator has been an extraordinary and humbling experience for which I am grateful. I will continue to do my best to serve the people of our district and the state until my term ends in December, but will not seek reelection.”

As Republicans try to create favorable districts (as do Democrats), redistricting looks to be a factor in her decision to not seek re-election as her district will no longer have Gooding or Camas counties but rather Jerome County which voted for former President Trump by almost 50 points in 2020. If she were to seek re-election in her district, she would be destined for loss in our prediction.

Not only are Democrats in Congress choosing to retire at a record rate before the 2022 midterms, but even those in state legislatures are also doing the same. Both sides seem to be “gerrymandering” as the stakes are high as the November midterms inch closer. Either way, this is a big win for Idaho Republicans as the top Democrat in the State Senate has been forced out of re-election.

Boise State Public Radio reports that no Democrat has filed to run yet. Current State Rep Laurie Lickley and Eric Parker are seeking the GOP nomination for that seat.

Stay tuned to Media Right News for more updates.