James Petzke

James Petzke earned an associate degree in social sciences from Boise State University in 2014, a bachelor's degree in multidisciplinary studies from Boise State University in 2015, and a master's degree in finance from Harvard University in 2020. Petzke's career experience includes owning Off Trail Publishing, co-founding and working as the CEO of Upland Optics, and working as the SEO program manager of Bodybuilding.com.[1][2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a native Idahoan with proven leadership ability and conservative values. I've spent the last ten years running a variety of eCommerce businesses, including Upland Optics, a sporting optics company for hunters. After selling a few of my businesses I decided to look for opportunities to give back to my home state, and when this seat opened up in the legislature I felt called to serve.

I will bring a level of business experience and financial expertise to the statehouse that it has rarely had before. I built a collection of companies that peaked at over $3 million in revenue before having three different successful exits. I also hold a Master's Degree in Finance from Harvard. This makes me very qualified to tackle the tough economic issues facing the people of our state, especially the rising cost of living.

I am a true Idaho outdoorsman. I've hunted Idaho public lands for deer and elk since I was 16, I've climbed all nine 12,000 foot peaks in the state, and I spend most of my summer and fall in the mountains every year.

I also am a Christian, and faith is the bedrock of my values. I am lucky enough to be a part of the Ten Mile Christian community.

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?

Property tax relief is my highest priority as a legislator. If we want to get a handle on the skyrocketing cost of living in our state, giving people relief where they need it most is a good start.Idaho has the potential to have an amazing education system, and with some innovation and smarter funding mechanisms we can make it world class.I want to keep Idaho home by defending our conservative values and our unique quality of life.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economic issues are the ones that I am the most passionate about. I think the federal government has made some serious missteps in recent years with its massive spending binges and unneeded stimulus plans. This has led to our current astronomical level of inflation. I unfortunately won't be able to directly tackle that issue, I do want to find some ways to help Idahoans who are struggling with the increased cost of living.

I'm also very passionate about education. I went through Idaho public schools from kindergarten through Boise State, and my parents are both public school teachers. I've seen many of the problems with our education system first hand and am excited to help make forward progress for our schools and for the future of our state.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was as a computer technician intern at the Blaine County School District when I was a freshman in high school. Basically I spent all summer going around to every classroom in the district and fixing/updating computers and making sure that every teacher had the technology they needed functioning properly. I did that job for two years and then did web programming for the district for two more.