Peter Riggs has announced his candidacy for the Idaho State Senate, District 3, in the May Republican primary.

The seat is held by Don Cheatham, who’s retiring at the end of the year. Republicans Alex Barron and Marc Eberlein have indicated they also will compete for the seat.

“I’m running for State Senate in the May 19 Republican primary because Idaho is, and always has been, my home,” Riggs said in a press release. “I was born, raised and educated in this conservative state. I’ve worked with other Idahoans to build businesses and provide local jobs that have made our community stronger.”

He added: “As a conservative, I will defend and expand the freedoms we’ve fought for, like the miracle of life and our Second Amendment. I will also fight for new and better solutions for education, growth, property taxes, healthcare, and other critical issues facing Idaho. The future of Idaho depends on the choices we make today.”

Riggs is a graduate of Lake City High School and received both an undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Idaho. His wife, Tyree, was also born and raised here, and they have two sons. He has served on the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, is a Patriot Life Member of the NRA and a member of Rotary.

Riggs worked for over 15 years in the franchising industry. As president and CEO of Pita Pit USA, which is based in North Idaho, he spent years developing businesses and employing people. Most recently, Riggs served as the chief strategy officer for another new North Idaho company developing large-scale energy storage systems to be manufactured in America.

He has been involved in business-friendly legislation locally and nationally through several organizations.

Info: www.riggsforidaho.com