SANDPOINT — Idaho Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle, announced Wednesday he’s seeking reelection to the District 1 seat.

Woodward was elected to the seat in 2024, prior to serving four years in the Idaho Legislature from 2018 through 2021. He said his wealth of experience in the legislature was one of the main driving factors behind his decision to run again. 

“It takes a few years to get up to speed, and then there's a certain really productive time in your legislative career, and I'm in that right now,” Woodward said. “I don't want to give up on the community that I'm asking to serve.” 

Currently, Woodward serves on the Senate Education Committee and as vice chair of the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee. Woodward said the state’s budget is the most significant item that legislators are dealing with this session, attempting to close a large budget deficit. 

Woodward pinned the blame for the shortfall on income tax cuts passed by the Idaho Legislature last year, something he voted against. He said the ongoing cuts have made it difficult for the state to provide a basic level of service on things like funding roads, education and police. 

In the JFAC, Woodward has advocated for more funding for the Idaho Department of Lands and Idaho Transportation Department. Woodward said typically the state sends $300 million through ITD to cities and counties for roadway improvements, which was cut this year to save money at the state level. 

“It is simply it is time we acknowledge our growth, and I don't mean that we need to grow government, but it does mean that we need to match government to the Idaho we live in today,” Woodward said. “I tell people often, if you're frustrated with traffic today, then the decisions we're making right now in the Legislature are going to make it worse.” 

During his time as a state senator, Woodward has focused on finding funding for those services. He said one of his accomplishments that exemplifies his time was a bill that brough state funding for K-12 schools back to the same trajectory it has been on prior to the 2008 recession.  

"We've worked hard to put the start, to bring these investments back to the right level,” Woodward said. “Now that trajectory is turning, and I'm afraid we're headed down the wrong path. That's why I want to still be here and make sure we can get going in the right direction.” 

Woodward said he’s focused on finding solutions that support local control of cities and counties, instead of top-down state directives. He said that these areas are run by elected officials with far closer ties to the region, which allows them to build around what’s right for their specific community. 

“It's certainly much easier to get a hold of a council person or a county commissioner, than it is to try and convince the Idaho legislature of something,” Woodward said. 

Outside of the legislature, Woodward lives in Sagle and serves on the Northern Lights Electric Co-op board. He also served in the Navy, which he said instilled a sense of duty that drives him to serve in the communities of which he’s been a part. 

Woodward will be on the ballot for the Republican Primary on May 19 and is being challenged by former state legislator Scott Herndon.  

"I always try to make sure people understand the importance of participating in the system, we know the famous quote, ‘Here's your republic, if you can keep it,’” Woodward said. "May 19 is that opportunity to participate and please be informed.” 

    District 1 state senator Jim Woodward speaks at the Save Our Schools town hall.