John Padula is running for Kootenai County commissioner District 1. 

The 47-year-old believes his experience in ministry and in business have prepared him well for the job. 

“My heart is to represent the people of Kootenai County,” he said. 

A pastor at The Altar Church in Coeur d’Alene, Padula has long been open about addiction battles that led to incarceration. But he said he gave his life to Jesus Christ 18 years ago and dedicated himself to serving others. 

“Success is character,” he said. “It’s following Jesus and doing what God called you to do.” 

Padula unsuccessfully ran for this same seat in 2024. Since, he said he prayed about it, “got confirmation,” and decided to run a second time. 

He is feeling good about the campaign. 

He said top issues include being responsible for taxpayer money and adequate public safety funding and service without a heavy burden on taxpayers. 

“You have to find that balance,” he said. 

Padula said being born and raised in North Idaho has given him a strong understanding of the region’s value. He believes his work in ministry, where he said he has “100 irons in the fire,” has given him administrative and multi-tasking skills. 

As an outreach pastor, he has helped develop and train teams and worked with individuals and families throughout the county. He said his work focuses on “meeting people where they are” and offering a path forward through faith and personal accountability. 

“I’ve been able to manage all those things that are high stress,” he said. 

He said he worked in property management and oversaw insulation sales.

If elected, Padula said he plans to be available to the public and carry out the will of the people. 

“My heart is to serve them and represent them on that county seat,” he said. “I don’t have an agenda. I’m not beholden to party or any party boss or any other commissioner. I am beholden to the taxpayers." 

He said after a 17-year drug addiction, he entered the Good Samaritan rehabilitation program and was “born again" on Dec. 5, 2008. When he gave his life to Christ, “God instantly delivered me from my whole life of inequity. He instantly gave me a new life.” 

Padula is married. He and his wife, Amanda, have four children.