SANDPOINT — Idaho Representative Mark Sauter, R-Sandpoint, is seeking reelection to his District 1A seat. 

Sauter was first elected as a representative in 2022 and won reelection for a second term in 2024. He said he’s running for reelection because there are numerous ongoing issues at the state level, like rural healthcare and fire districts, that he wants to continue bringing a local perspective to. 

“I can call all the police chiefs and sheriffs in a minute, and when I need to know about the schools, I can reach out and get to the three superintendents for the three school districts,” Sauter said. "A number of people in the capital don't have those connections, and so I want to make sure that we continue to have a voice for our community.” 

Before becoming a state representative, Sauter spent much of his life as a firefighter and fire chief. Sauter said that time in the fire service not only ingrained a passion for public service in his blood but also a pragmatic approach to difficult situations. 

This approach was especially key during the last legislative session, as the state was working through a budget crisis, Sauter said. He said during the session he wanted to focus on the five community-building features: health care, education, public safety, infrastructure and a commerce system. 

“It's easy to say, well, we just need to keep cutting to make things work, but there's a responsibility factor. I mean, our roads don't get any better by themselves,” Sauter said. “If we don't have one of those, we're going to have a hard time either keeping our generations or attracting new generations. And we need to have a conservative eye on that.” 

Sauter said he also believes in dealing with issues with Idaho values, like individualism and a dedicated work ethic, in mind. He said that as Idaho continues to grow with people moving from out of state, keeping these values at the forefront of the discussion will be paramount. 

Another pillar of Sauter’s campaign is a push for local control, leaving community-focused decisions up to local municipalities and counties. From the discussion around short-term rentals to House Bill 659, which would have forced Idaho police and sheriffs into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Sauter said he believes each community should make the right decision for itself. 

“We had the short-term rental issue that was here, and the state said, ‘No, well, everybody can have short-term rentals,’ and they kind of took that control away from the city,” Sauter said. “I voted against that. I didn't think it was right.” 

Sauter said that he supports public education and wants to continue finding funding for transportation and special education. He added that a focus on getting the most value for the taxpayer dollars is key, as funding is being evaluated at the state level.  

“It comes back to the big five, right, health care, education, infrastructure, public safety and to have business but watch your taxes, watch your spending,” Sauter said. “So pragmatically look at things, I think that's the way to go.” 

Sauter is being challenged by Jane Sauter, no relation, in the Republican primary May 19 for the District 1A seat.