Jared Dawson

Jared Dawson was born in Silverton, Idaho. He earned a high school diploma from Kellogg High School, a bachelor's degree from the University of Idaho in 2004, and a graduate degree from Washington State University in 2006. Jared Dawson's career experience includes working as a program manager, working in manual labor, and teaching communication classes at Lewis-Clark State College.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Jared Dawson. I am a husband, father, and native Idahoan. I was born in Kellogg, grew up on a small farm up the river there, and currently reside in the mountains outside of Idaho City. I grew up hunting and fishing, and will pass along those traditions to my kids. I probably voted Republican more often than not in my earlier voting years; however, after watching the Idaho legislature, I saw that the Democrats were the ones that voted in ways that were consistent with my values and faith. I reached out to see how I could become involved, became the chair of the Boise County Democrats, and decided after the 2022 election that I would run for State Representative in 2024. I feel that I represent the values of rural Idahoans, regardless of party affiliation, and hope that most voters will take the opportunity to review and research my candidacy, and vote for someone that represents them.

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?

I became interested in entering the political arena because of education. I believe that our public schools should be fully funded, and allow our students to achieve the level of education that gives them a step up in life. I am opposed to vouchers and any other proposal that drains funds from our public school system.I support women's health. My wife and I welcomed our third child into the world at the end of 2023. Our baby arrived happy and healthy, but a high risk pregnancy, mixed with Idaho's current laws, could have led to a catastrophe for our family. My opponent is on record stating that she is against any exceptions for abortion, even for the life of the mother. My stance is that our current laws are too extreme, and we can find a common ground. I don't feel that the government should make a decision for my family on the worst day of our lives.I am interested in issues that affect our rural communities. I am on the executive committee of the Idaho Democratic Party Rural Caucus. We look at issues that impact our state, and particularly my District, which spans timber (Valley, Boise, Custer counties) to agriculture (Elmore county) and everything in-between. Water rights, rural child care, early childhood development, forest management - these are all real-world issues that have an effect on us, and I value these much more than the culture war issues that make the headlines.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, women's health, affordable healthcare, rural issues.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my parents. We probably disagree on political issues these days, but the values they instilled in me growing up have guided me to be the person I am, and the care and compassion for others is an example I can always follow.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe that honesty and integrity are the most important characteristics for an elected official. Elected officials are public servants, not entertainers, and should have a mindset that reflects that. I am all about transparency, and believe that is an integral characteristic that encompasses the position. We may not agree on every subject all of the time, but I will always let someone know where I stand and why, and be willing to engage in conversations that push and potentially alter my preconceived notions and stances on issues.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I believe that I am thoughtful, considerate, and possess the ability to think through issues critically and with care. I'm smart enough to understand that I'm not an expert in every issue, and can learn from others.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I think that elected officials owe their constituents transparency and accountability. Open communication, and the willingness to think clearly and critically about individual issues, and not necessarily strictly along party lines or according to whatever third-party pledge a legislator signed, should be afforded a high priority.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like my children to understand that they can make a difference in the world if they pursue things that they believe in, and sometimes small changes are just as important as broad, sweeping accomplishments.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember the Challenger explosion most vividly as an event from growing up.

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

My first job was bucking bales and hauling hay. I hired out to different farmers we bought hay from, usually a nickel a bale. My first "official" job was construction (mostly framing); I did it for seven years during college, most heavily during summer, winter and spring breaks.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Hobbit. I'll always have connection to it from childhood.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Green Lantern (my heart says Guy Gardner, but my head says Hal Jordan)

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

'Til the Voice Goes Out - Jason Devore

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I am a cancer survivor (20+ years ago), and that experience also helped shape me into the person that I am today.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

I think a good working relationship between the two bodies, with mutual respect, is in everyone's best interest. That doesn't necessarily mean agreement, but a willingness to work together to solve problems.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Beneficial, yes, but not a requirement. I think in most avenues of life previous experience is generally beneficial. Even at a base level, such as understanding Roberts' rules and legislative formalities, help, but is definitely not required.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes. I think in any work relationship the job becomes easier when you build and maintain relationships. It opens the door to more robust conversations, and allows you to see where other people are coming from.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

In the Idaho legislature, I appreciate the critical thinking of several legislators, that take the time explore and discuss issues, even if its something that they might be opposed to along general party lines. Legislators like Steve Berch, Julie Yamamoto, Matt Bundy and Geoff Schroeder come to mind.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

I think blanket statements should be avoided; as a general rule yes, as it provides representation from all legislative districts, but there are certainly some actions that the Governor should be allowed to take as the executive branch.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I would introduce legislation that allows rural school districts to access facility funding in a more equitable way; right now, our rural districts are at the bottom of the list.

What committees interest you?

Education, Health and Welfare, JFAC

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Yes. I don't know how much more I should elaborate, but I believe in transparency. People work hard for their money, and what the government spends should be accounted for. Now, expecting a budget to get into dollar-level specifics may not be feasible (e.g., school budgets that project into the future may not be able to provide costs of future items down to the cent, but rather a realistic projection), but an accounting should make clear how taxpayer money is spent and as publicly transparent as possible.

Do you support or oppose changes to the current state ballot initiative process? If so, what kind of changes would you consider?

I am opposed to trying to limit the ability for citizens to add ballot initiatives, and would oppose any legislation that attempts to erode that ability brick-by-brick.