Sen. Ali Rabe announced Friday that she is not seeking re-election and is endorsing Rep. Soñia Galaviz to fill her seat.
Rabe, a Boise Democrat in District 16, said she wants to change how she serves. She has two young boys and needs to work more behind the scenes rather than in elected office.
“I’ve stood up for public education, fair tax policy, and affordable child and health care, and I’ve worked alongside colleagues from both sides of the aisle to pass good legislation,” Rabe wrote. “That work takes persistence, collaboration, and trust, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
Rabe describes herself as an attorney, mom and a longtime community leader with deep roots in public service. She earned an undergraduate degree from The College of Idaho and graduated from Willam and Mary Law School, according to the announcement.
She was first elected in 2020 and easily won re-election in 2022 and 2024. District 16 is one of Idaho’s few safe districts for the Democratic Party.
Rabe endorsed Galaviz and said she will do everything to support a smooth transition.
Just before Rabe sent out her announcement on Friday afternoon, Galaviz posted on social media that she plans to run for Senate in District 16. She thanked Rabe for the endorsement.
“She has set a high bar and I look forward to working equally hard for D16 as your state senator,” Galaviz wrote.
In a phone call Friday, Galaviz said running for Senate feels like a natural next step.
“I see moving to the Senate as just an extension of the political experience and opportunity down here, and I want to continue to learn and grow,” Galaviz told EdNews.
Galaviz could face Republican Leland Lay, who has named a campaign treasurer, in a race for the Senate seat in November, according to information on Idaho’s Sunshine reports.
Republican Jacquelyn Davidson, who has also named a campaign treasurer, appears poised to run for the district’s House Seat B, which Galaviz will vacate.
