Woodward seeks District 1 Senate seat
Jim Woodward, pictured with two family pets, announced his plans to run for the District 1 Idaho Senate seat. Idaho Sen. Shawn Keough announced Monday she would not run for reelection and would step down after her term ends in November 2018. (Courtesy photo)
SANDPOINT — Jim Woodward, long-time Bonner and Boundary County resident, announced his candidacy Tuesday for the recently opened Legislative District 1 State Senate seat.
“With Sen. Shawn Keough’s announcement that she will not run for re-election, there is a big void to fill. I am ready to tackle the challenges we face in District 1,” Woodward said. “I will look for common sense, logical and efficient solutions to problems. My priorities will be education and infrastructure, two of the prime roles of state government.”
Woodward lives in Sagle, where he owns and operates APEX Construction Services, specializing in heavy construction and excavation. He is currently a board member at Northern Lights electric cooperative, representing the southwest portion of the system from Athol to Priest River. Woodward graduated from Bonners Ferry High School and the University of Idaho.
“I look forward to meeting or hearing from as many people as possible in District 1 to learn their ideas and concerns regarding the work of the legislature and how it affects us. I believe my background as a small business owner, combined with government experience earned through 21 years of combined active and reserve naval service, as well as an engineering degree, qualifies me to represent the constituents of District 1.”
Woodward is a Republican, running unopposed at this point. The primary election is in May 2018.
Incumbent State Senator Shawn Keough announced her suport for Woodward.
“I endorse Jim Woodward for the Idaho State Senate District 1 seat,” Keough said in a statement. “Jim is a second-generation resident of our area, attended our public schools, graduated from the University of Idaho and served our Country in the United States Navy.”
Keough noted that Woodward is a small business owner, his wife, Brenda, teaches in local public schools and they are raising their family here.
“Jim’s deep roots in our area and his commitment to our North Idaho values coupled with his background and service to our country give him the experience needed to represent us in the Idaho State Senate,” she said. “I support Jim 100% and hope you will join me in voting to send him to represent us in Boise.”
Woodward can be reached at jim@jimwoodwardforsenate.com or online at jimwoodwardforsenate.com or by phone at 208-946-7963.