COEUR d’ALENE — Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene, announced on Monday he will seek a third term in the Idaho Legislature, representing the Coeur d’Alene area.

“My constituents can look to my record of fighting for and winning solutions. I intend to take that passion and results-oriented approach to my next term,” Malek said. “My priorities will continue to be supporting education, strengthening economic growth, and protecting our natural resources and the industries that depend on them. I’m running because I want to be a part of making Idaho a place my kids and grandkids can be proud to live.”

“As a parent, the importance of re-electing Malek cannot be understated,” said Jim Pierce. “Our hope is that parents and families realize just how important it is to our kids to have someone like Luke who takes the time to understand education funding and policy.”

Malek co-chaired a committee that was tasked with creating legislation to ensure schools across Idaho have Internet and web-based tools critical to modern classrooms. His work there earned him the President’s Award from the Idaho Education Technology Association.

Malek made news during the 2015 session for the work he did in his position on the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee in ensuring that North Idaho received funding for a much-needed crisis center. He also serves on the Judiciary, Rules and Administration committee, and has developed a reputation as a champion for public safety, earning an award in 2015 from the Professional Firefighters of Idaho for Legislator of the Year, and the Law and Order Award from the Idaho Prosecuting Attorney’s Association (IPAA). Malek is a former Kootenai County Deputy Prosecutor under elected Prosecutor Barry McHugh, who is currently the president of the IPAA. “Luke understands the importance of good laws and a balanced approach that guards our individual liberties while keeping Idahoans safe in their communities. He continues year after year to be a champion for Idaho public safety and victims’ rights in Idaho,” McHugh said.

Malek has also made news for his involvement in a lawsuit over individual privacy, filed by Malek and his law partner Peter Smith currently pending appeal before the Ninth Circuit, Smith v. Obama. The lawsuit sought to have dragnet cellphone surveillance of innocent Americans deemed unconstitutional.

Former Idaho state Rep. Marge Chadderdon, who held the same seat previously, praised Malek for his constituent outreach.

“Luke holds more town halls than any other legislator...and while he takes the time to explain every position he is asked about, more importantly, he takes the time to listen,” Chadderdon said. “That willingness to always listen really sets him apart.”

Malek has lived in North Idaho since he was 9 years old. He is a graduate of the College of Idaho and the University of Idaho College of Law. He is a member of the Criminal Justice Reinvestment Oversight Committee. He has authored or sponsored many successful pieces of legislation, including Idaho's "revenge pornography" law, the “community health EMS” law, and the bill that successfully thwarted the federal health insurance exchange in Idaho. He lives in Coeur d’Alene with his wife, Tara. When he is not engaged with his duties as a part-time legislator, he is either working in his law firm, “Smith + Malek, PLLC,” or enjoying all of the beauty and recreation Idaho has to offer.