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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

Malek considering a run for 1st District congressional seat

Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene (Betsy Z. Russell)
Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene (Betsy Z. Russell)

Idaho state Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene, hasn’t made a final decision, but he acknowledged today that he’s mulling a run for Idaho’s 1st District congressional seat, which will open in 2018 when current Rep. Raul Labrador runs instead for governor.

“The people of the 1st District deserve a representative who will fight for jobs, for education and for the future of Idaho’s families,” Malek said in a statement. “I have been discussing running for Congress with close family and friends, and recognize that serving our district is a commitment that cannot be taken lightly.  I am humbled by the kind encouragement I have received from many I trust, and am continuing to contemplate what this new path in public service would mean for my family, my firm and the people I am currently serving.”

Malek, an attorney and third-term state representative, would be the third Republican to enter the race. Already running are former Idaho lieutenant governor and attorney general David Leroy, and former state Sen. Russ Fulcher, R-Meridian, who recently switched over to the 1st District race from the crowded race for governor. Layne Bangerter, a longtime aide to GOP Sen. Mike Crapo and the director of the Trump presidential campaign in Idaho, also is considering entering the race.

In addition, a little-known Democrat from Post Falls, Michael William Smith, filed to run for the 1st CD seat weeks ago, but hasn’t responded to inquiries from reporters.



Betsy Z. Russell
Betsy Z. Russell joined The Spokesman-Review in 1991. She currently is a reporter in the Boise Bureau covering Idaho state government and politics, and other news from Idaho's state capital.

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