Megan Blanksma
Megan Blanksma (born in Nampa, Idaho) is an American politician serving as a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from District 23 in seat B.[1] Blanksma currently serves as the Majority Caucus Chair for the House of Representatives.[2]
Megan Blanksma | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Idaho House of Representatives from District 23, Seat B | |
| Assumed office December 1, 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Pete Nielsen |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Nampa, Idaho, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | University of Idaho (BS) |
Early life and education
Blanksma was born and raised in Nampa. She graduated from Nampa High School and served as page in the Idaho Senate during her senior year. Later, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Idaho.
Career
From 2014 to 2016, Blanksma served as Chair of the Elmore County Republican Party, after many years as a volunteer in many capacities at the county and state level.[3] She also serves on the St. Luke's Elmore Community Board. On July 14, 2020 Rep. Megan Blanksma, R-Hammett, who represents Elmore County on the board, was the only member to vote against the Ada County mandate to wear masks during a global pandemic.
Idaho House of Representatives
Blanksma challenged 14-year incumbent Pete Nielsen in the Republican primary in 2016. She was endorsed by Governor Butch Otter.[4] After securing the nomination, Blanksma faced only independent and third party opposition in the general election and was elected to the seat.
Committee assignments
- Heath and Welfare Committee
- Local Government Committee
- Resources and Conservation Committee
Personal life
Blanksma and her husband, Jeff, live on a farm in Hammett, Idaho.
Elections
| Year | Candidate | Votes | Pct | Candidate | Votes | Pct | Candidate | Votes | Pct | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Primary[5] | Megan Blanksma | 3,387 | 71.0% | Pete Nielsen (incumbent) | 1,052 | 22.1% | Justin Freeman | 329 | 6.9% | ||||
| 2016 General[6] | Megan Blanksma | 10,810 | 77.1% | Bill Chisholm | 2,335 | 16.6% | Christopher Jenkins | 889 | 6.3% |
References
- "Rep. Megan Blanksma". Boise, Idaho: Idaho Legislature. Retrieved January 20, 2017.
- "Rep. Megan Blanksma – Idaho State Legislature". Retrieved 2020-05-30.
- "Barry Peterson loses control of Elmore County GOP, blames Otter". Boise, Idaho. Retrieved January 20, 2017.
- "Breaking Down Otter's Legislative Endorsements". Boise, Idaho: Idaho Education News. Retrieved January 20, 2017.
- Denney, Lawerence. "May 17, 2016 Primary Election Results: Legislative Totals". Boise, Idaho: Secretary of State of Idaho. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2017.
- Denney, Lawerence. "Nov 8, 2016 General Election Results: Legislative Totals". Boise, Idaho: Secretary of State of Idaho. Archived from the original on December 21, 2016. Retrieved January 20, 2017.