School choice supporter James Lamborn announced Thursday he is running for the Idaho House, seeking to unseat Rep. Rick Cheatum, R-Pocatello, for District 28 Seat A.
Cheatum opposed House Bill 93 last year, which created the $50 million Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit. Parents can apply for $5,000 to pay for private school tuition.
Lamborn, a Republican, on his campaign website states the “one-size-fits-all” approach to education has left too many students behind. He supports empowering parents to make the best choices for their children’s education.
“It is now time that we as free Idahoans, virtuous conservatives, and autonomous adults correct our prior oversight … and take back, with all righteous authority bestowed unto us by nature and nature’s God, total subjugation over that which belongs to us solely: the type and amount of education to which we allow our children’s adherence,” Lamborn writes on his website (his ellipses).
Lamborn ran against Cheatum in the 2024 primary and lost in a three-way race. Cheatum received 40% of the vote, Lamborn received 33.2% and Mike Saville received 26.9%. Saville has again declared a campaign treasurer for the 2026 election.
Lamborn surpasses Cheatum on fundraising. Cheatum has raised $10,370 for the 2026 election cycle and Lamborn has raised $16,071.
Cheatum lists several education priorities on his campaign website. He supports expanding vocational, technical and career training programs and wants to end the dependence on local bond levies for school facilities.
“Every Idaho student deserves fair and adequate funding to succeed, regardless of whether they live in a rural or urban area — I’m focused on preparing our kids for real-world success beyond high school,” Cheatum writes.
In his announcement Thursday, Lamborn said District 28 deserves a “true conservative.”
“As conservatives, we need representatives who will stand firm for school choice, parental rights, fiscal responsibility, the Second Amendment, and the sanctity of life,” Lamborn wrote. “Idaho must never become the kind of state families feel they have to flee.”
The primary election is May 19.
