YOUR DISTRICT 26 CANDIDATES
SHARE THEIR VISION FOR IDAHO
“Idaho works best when we trust our neighbors, strengthen our communities, and solve problems together.”
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Those themes echoed throughout a recent gathering of Blaine County Democrats as Legislative District 26 candidates Senator Ron Taylor, Anita Janis, and Kevin Marsh shared their priorities and answered questions from local voters.
Although each candidate spoke from different life experiences, all three offered a hopeful vision for Idaho—one rooted in freedom, opportunity, stewardship, and respect for one another.
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Ron Taylor: “Let’s Define Idaho Values Ourselves.”
Senator Ron Taylor challenged the increasingly common political phrase “Idaho values.”
Rather than allowing political consultants or national organizations to define what Idaho stands for, Taylor said Idahoans should define those values themselves.
For him, Idaho values include:
* Looking after our neighbors.
* Protecting families.
* Respecting individual liberty.
* Supporting strong public schools.
* Trusting patients and their doctors—not politicians—to make personal medical decisions.
When asked what distinguishes his understanding of Idaho values from those invoked by others, Taylor emphasized that while no two Idahoans share identical beliefs, nearly everyone understands the importance of treating others with dignity, helping neighbors in need, and protecting the freedoms we expect for ourselves.
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Anita Janis: Investing in Idaho’s Future
Anita Janis spoke about conversations she has had across Legislative District 26 with voters who want practical leadership and a fresh direction for Idaho.
She highlighted three priorities:
Protecting Healthcare
Janis said personal healthcare decisions belong between patients, physicians, and families—not government officials.
She also encouraged support for the Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act appearing on this November’s ballot, while noting that legislators will have an important responsibility to respect and preserve the will of Idaho voters if it is approved.
Strengthening Public Education
Janis expressed concern over recent legislation directing taxpayer dollars toward private schools without the same public accountability required of Idaho’s public school system.
She argued that Idaho’s public schools deserve both strong financial support and public confidence.
Planning for Idaho’s Water Future
Representing one of Idaho’s largest agricultural regions, Janis devoted considerable attention to water.
She discussed the difficult choices already confronting many farming families because of limited irrigation supplies and encouraged careful planning before approving additional developments that could place new demands on scarce water resources.
Throughout her remarks, Janis stressed collaboration among agriculture, local government, and communities as Idaho works through increasingly complex water challenges.
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Kevin Marsh: Conserving What Makes Idaho Special
Kevin Marsh brought the perspective of a historian, educator, small farmer, former U.S. Forest Service ranger, and wildland firefighter.
His campaign centers on protecting the assets that have shaped Idaho for generations.
Public Lands and Water
Marsh described Idaho’s public lands as one of the state’s greatest long-term investments.
Healthy forests, he noted, protect the watersheds that make farming, recreation, wildlife, and thriving communities possible throughout southern Idaho.
Public Education
After decades teaching at Idaho universities, Marsh spoke passionately about Idaho’s educators.
He called for restoring respect for teachers and school employees while making public education a higher priority within responsible state budgets.
“Teachers aren’t the problem,” he suggested. “They’re one of Idaho’s greatest strengths.”
Healthcare
Marsh also discussed declining healthcare access in rural Idaho and the loss of many obstetric providers in recent years.
He argued that Idaho should pursue policies that strengthen healthcare access for families across the state.
Learning from Idaho History
As a historian, Marsh reminded the audience that Idaho has often been ahead of the nation in expanding democratic participation—including women’s suffrage and the citizen initiative process.
He encouraged voters to continue that tradition by participating in this year’s election.
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