Engel announces bid for District 1B seat

SANDPOINT — Todd C. Engel has announced plans to run for the Idaho state representative seat in District 1B. The seat is currently held by Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay.

As a working-class Idaho resident of over 30 years, Engel said he decided to run due to the changes he's witnessed in the Idaho way of life coupled with government mandates allowed during the pandemic that he said are detrimental to Idaho residents and their values.

“I am running for State Legislature to help preserve Idaho, our freedoms and liberties without the government overreach,” Engel said.

Engel's political involvement began in the wake of the 1992 standoff at Ruby Ridge. Then, in 2014, he was involved in a standoff with federal agents along with 200 others gathered to defend rancher Cliven Bundy in a dispute over water and grazing rights. Engel's conviction for obstruction and traveling across state lines in aid of extortion were vacated after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a Nevada district court judge erred in not allowing Engel to represent himself. The case was remanded back to U.S. District Court for a new trial.

Engel said he is a staunch advocate for legislation to restrict the federal government’s authority to designate any Idahoan as a domestic terrorist. In addition, he supports all legislation to protect and expand Idahoans' Second Amendment rights.

“It is important that the power of government is returned to we, the people, as the founders intended,” Engel said.

Engel said parental rights are being eroded, whether it is by the government’s curriculum choices, lack of education transparency, or school mask mandates. Parents are the primary stakeholders in all aspects of their children’s lives and Engel said he will strongly oppose any legislation that is counter to that.

If elected, Engel said he looks forward to meeting his constituents and hearing their first-hand concerns for Idaho's future.

Information: engelforidaho.com