Curtis James

Curtis James earned a high school diploma from Columbia High School. James' career experience includes working as a social worker.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a 4th-generation Idahoan, a student, and a member of the Nampa workforce who believes our state government should work as hard as the people who fund it. My roots in District 12 run deep; I come from a family of mechanics, medical professionals, and construction tradespeople who taught me the value of a day’s work and looking out for your neighbor. Currently, I serve my community from the Dutch Bros window, where I hear firsthand about the rising costs and 'tax shifts' squeezing Nampa’s working class. I am also an undergraduate at LSUA Online, studying Religious Studies to better understand the diverse perspectives that make our community strong.

I am running for the State House por la gente—for the people. Nampa deserves an ’Open Book’ representative who isn't afraid to ask for the receipts. As a product of Columbia High School, I know the power of Career & Technical Education and Speech and Debate in helping students reach their full potential. My campaign is built on the belief that growth must pay for itself and that the state budget must prioritize the families and the local shops that make Idaho home. Whether I am advocating for special education or fighting for local control in Boise, my goal is to ensure that the people who earned the money are the ones who finally benefit from it. I’m not just running for a seat; I’m running to bring Nampa’s fiscal reality to the Statehouse.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Investing in Future Generations (Education)

I am a product of Nampa’s public schools, and I know firsthand how programs like Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Speech and Debate empower students to reach their full potential. I am committed to protecting the funding 'buckets' for vocational training and special education so that our homegrown talent can thrive. We must ensure that the state budget prioritizes the classrooms and labs where the next generation of Nampa’s workforce is actually being built.Local Self-Determination means your most important decisions belong to you, not the state. I advocate for your autonomy ensuring healthcare decisions remain between a woman and her doctor, and that every Idahoan has the right to love openly and thrive with dignity. As a gay man of faith, I believe true freedom requires protecting our constitutional rights, including the responsible right to bear arms while keeping guns out of our classrooms at all costs. Every neighbor in District 12 has the right to raise a family and thrive, regardless of how long they have lived here. We must restore power to local voices and protect the privacy of our neighbors. I am accountable to you and your freedom to decide your own future. For the People.Public Infrastructure looks like growth which must never come at the expense of the families who built this city. I advocate for "Receipts-First" infrastructure, ensuring new development pays its fair share so long-time residents aren't burdened by unfair tax hikes. As an Idahoan of Indigenous blood, I am a fierce supporter of protecting our natural public lands; they are our heritage and must be preserved for future generations. True representation means being an "Open Book" about how our tax dollars are spent on roads, transit, and our schools. We must protect funding for Special Education and CTE to ensure Nampa remains a place where every neighbor has the foundation to stay and thrive. Por la Gente. For the People.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about Community Stability and Human Dignity. To me, public policy is about ensuring every neighbors in District 12 feels safe and have the resources to thrive, regardless of their background or how long they have lived here. I advocate for policies that protect the right of every family to stay together and build a future in Nampa without fear. This means focusing on "Receipts-First" Infrastructure to prevent displacement, protecting Personal Autonomy in healthcare and identity, and being an "Open Book" regarding how we support our most vulnerable neighbors. As an Idahoan of Indigenous blood, I believe our laws should reflect a commitment to caring for the people who call this land home including every neighbor!

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Just the People :) No Organizations