As the Democratic candidates running for seats on the Ada County Board of Commissioners, we recognize the importance of connecting and empathizing with constituents countywide—not just those who live in our respective districts. After spending considerable time with voters in District 16, learning about their lives, goals, and concerns, we recognize that Nikson Mathews is in a unique position to not only represent his neighbors but also the inclusive interests of many Idahoans.

Representation is critical when the challenges we face in Idaho are not isolated to a single community or voting district. At a time when the dignity and rights of many Idahoans get threatened or outright dismissed, we find it heartening that leaders like Nikson step up to share their lived experiences with people in power. While it’s unlikely that he is the only 40-year-old small business leader, adjunct professor, policy advocate, and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community in Idaho, his perspective is missing among the members of our current legislature. Thanks to his work as a registered lobbyist for Add The Words, Nikson has already forged relationships with lawmakers across parties thanks, in part, to the sincerity and respect he shows others who are less familiar with the communities he serves. He’s doing the work, and we trust him when he says his candidacy is not born out of a desire for political gain but from a genuine dedication to serving others and making a tangible difference in his home state.

Because we share his ambitions to serve and effect positive change for our fellow Idahoans, we are thrilled to endorse Nikson Mathews in his bid to represent District 16. His vision for compassionate policy-making, coupled with his deep understanding of community needs, exemplifies the kind of leadership needed by his district—and Idaho at large.