Chris Mathias is a father, husband, decorated military veteran, and state representative in a part-time legislature working to create a safe, fair, and more prosperous Idaho.
The one question that drives Chris: What actually helps everyday Idahoans? Most people have an answer… and rarely is it ‘politics.’ He is a legislative voice who talks about issues that don’t trend on social media. For this reason, you won’t find him slinging partisan junk food or trying to win the internet. He’s no ideologue and is proud to be known as “deliberative.”
Deeply fulfilled as a citizen-legislator doing the (mostly) unglamorous work of helping to pass good legislation, kill bad legislation, and build community year round, Chris is the kind of lawmaker who writes his own bills instead of inheriting them from outside interests. He’s passed bills to make our streets safer, schools safer, repeal outdated reporting requirements for schools, and support first responders.
Chris harbors no illusions about the political terrain in his one party state. That’s why he’s happy to work with level-headed people - regardless of party affiliation - to address the pressing needs of Idahoans.
In a state that too often values political theater over real solutions, Chris is a public servant committed to making Idaho politics more helpful and productive. Sometimes, working hard to pass good laws is not enough; when faced with cruelty and undue prejudice, one must stand up, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Chris is proud to be a powerful voice for unheard Idahoans who have no lobbyists.
Chris is a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who used the GI bill to earn a criminal justice degree at Boise State. In his professional work outside of the legislature, he is a trusted expert and consults with companies and public sector entities on policy topics ranging from education to emergency management.
As a resident of the state with the nation’s highest female incarceration rate, Chris is humbled to be a Commissioner on the Council on Criminal Justice Women’s Justice Commission.
Chris lives in Boise with his wife and children. Together, they enjoy camping, gardening, and reading.
Onward.