Photo of Nikson Mathews, a white trans masculine person, wearing a black jean jacket and black baseball cap. They are sitting at a table outside a Treefort venue.

Hi. Iā€™m Nikson.

My Idaho roots run deep. Born and raised in a small farming community in Southeastern Idaho, I am a product of generations of Idahoans who believe in the power of community, resilience, and hard work.

From a young age, my parents taught me the values that are the heart of Idaho. My mom, a retired school teacher, and my pops, a retired Postmaster, instilled in me the importance of hard work, kindness, and active community involvement. Their community service, from organizing a youth baseball league to founding our local Rural Fire District, earned them the "Idaho Gem" award, a testament to the impact we can have when we commit to our community.

I am a proud product of our Idaho public schools, a graduate of Boise State University, where I'm now an adjunct professor, a leader in a small local business, and the Policy and Community Advocate with Add The Words, Idaho.

Professionally, I have more than 13 years of experience in strategic problem-solving across diverse industries. I possess a perceptive ability to understand and cater to the needs of the people I serve through my work. My strong communication and collaboration skills and experience in providing insights, reports, and data to policymakers highlight my readiness to represent Idaho with integrity, passion, and effectiveness.

My work advocating for inclusive policies with ATW Idaho has equipped me with skills to navigate complex legislative landscapes and achieve meaningful change.

As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I bring a unique perspective to the table, one currently absent in the Idaho legislature. I am running for office because diverse representation is crucial in creating well-rounded policies that address the needs of all Idahoans.

I understand the financial strain and the challenges of making ends meet. I have lived in inadequate housing where I was too afraid to voice concerns for fear of eviction. I have juggled multiple jobs to pay the bills. I've spent the last decade working to create stability for myself. Today, I am grateful to share a home with my amazing partner, Reilly, and our rowdy pup, Maisie, living a happy and fulfilling life. This is a life that every Idahoan has a right to.

It's time for Idaho to embrace a future where every person can thrive. As your representative, I am committed to building that future, driven by the values central to my life.

Photo of Maisie, a pit bull german shepherd rescue pup sitting on the Boise river bank with a big smile on her face.
Photo of Nikson and Reilly snowshoeing in Sun Valley. In a controversial move, Nikson chose to wear jeans on the snowy adventure.