Kathy Dawes

Kathy Dawes earned a bachelor's degree from Carleton College in 1970 and a graduate degree from the University of Idaho in 1976. Her experience includes working as an educator.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My husband, Dana, and I came to Moscow to attend the University of Idaho where I received my master's degree in Zoology, worked as a lab technician, and had my own business doing scientific illustrations. We raised our two children in Moscow, and I worked in the Moscow School District as an 8th grade science teacher for many years.

I have actively participated in, and was a founding member of, several Latah County organizations as well as local chapters of nonpartisan/ bipartisan national organizations: the Palouse Chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby that promotes bipartisan solutions to the effects of climate change, the League of Women Voters of Idaho that encourages informed participation in government and influences public policy through voter education and advocacy, and Braver Angels that seeks to depolarize American politics through workshops, debates, and discussions. I also served on the Latah County Parks Board for 13 years.

In 2024, I was awarded the Latah County Human Rights Task Force Rosa Parks Human Rights Achievement Award for "active participation in human rights causes; a record of leadership and accomplishment; and manifestations of special courage and commitment in opposing bigotry and celebrating diversity."

For fun and relaxation, I love canoeing, cross-country skiing, and I play in the Sesitshaya Marimba band, composed of women who have been taught African songs and rhythms by Zimbabwean instructors.

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 want to restore balance to the Idaho legislature.

Recent legislative sessions have exhibited increasing extremism, which I believe is very destructive and not representative of the majority of Idahoans. Recent laws represent unnecessary government overreach, taking away local control and restricting our freedoms and rights. Many legislators are not heeding the advice of experts and many new laws are being challenged in courts with taxpayer-funded lawsuits.

I will respect input from experts who provide evidence when advocating for policies that affect Idahoans and will support the rights and freedoms of ALL Idahoans and the rights of local governments and boards to make decisions for their communities.I want to empower Idaho communities.

I want to assure they have the resources they need to develop solutions to local problems, and even prevent problems in the first place. I strongly believe that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." When communities have the resources they need to provide programs and services for Idaho families, like excellent schools, childcare, foster care, mental and physical healthcare, and affordable housing, they will be less likely to have problems with drugs, violence, school dropouts, etc. I support the Community School concept: public schools that provide services and support for students and families that fit each neighborhood’s needs, created and run by the local community.I will work toward 'depolarizing' Idaho.

Extreme political polarization is causing destructive animosity between parties and individuals, preventing much needed collaboration and creative problem-solving. As a trained ambassador and workshop facilitator for Braver Angels, whose mission is to “bring Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic,” I will use my skills to provide a framework for “Bringing Idahoans Together” to listen to each other with respect and collaborate to find reasonable solutions that benefit all Idahoans. My campaign will focus on discovering what issues are important to my constituents and determining what I can do for them as their representative.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I support individual liberty and freedom for ALL Idahoans to live their best lives free from discrimination and to make ALL healthcare decisions, including those regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and family planning.

I support voting and initiative/referendum rights, and I oppose any efforts to restrict those rights.

I support measures to address the effects of climate change, promote stewardship of the land, and keep public lands public.

I support requiring the legislature to fulfill its constitutional duty to fund our public schools, including facilities, without depending on constant levies and bonds.

I oppose any efforts to take away any public funds that could be used for public schools to fund private or religious schools.

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

I am a creative problem solver, I have a strong work ethic, and I have learned skills from my teaching experiences and my training and workshops with Braver Angels that allow me to communicate effectively and respectfully with anyone, whether I agree with them or not. I will always look for ways to find common ground in all discussions where there are differences of opinion, and ask questions to discover more about why people are taking a particular position on an issue.

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

No