Idaho House of Representatives District 26B candidate surveys, 2022

This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for Idaho House of Representatives District 26B who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

Click here to see candidates and election results.
Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for Idaho House of Representatives District 26B

Jack Nelsen defeated Karma Metzler Fitzgerald in the general election for Idaho House of Representatives District 26B on November 8, 2022.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Jack Nelsen (R)	50.3	7,918
	Karma Metzler Fitzgerald (D)	49.7	7,834

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 15,752
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

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Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Karma Metzler Fitzgerald (D)

Idahoans deserve access to quality and affordable childcare

Idahoans deserve access to resources like public transportation and good broadband

Idahoans deserve access to resources they need to thrive.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Karma Metzler Fitzgerald (D)

I'm passionate about affordable childcare. It is the key to so many opportunities Idaho families. It leads to equity in the workplace and equity in education. It's long been thought of as a family issue, but it's a community issue. It's just as important to our infrastructure as good roads and utilities.

I am also working on several projects to support small and mid-size farm families. I think there are opportunities for better access to processing facilities and marketing opportunities in this area and will pursue legislation to remove any barriers.

I've also become an advocate for better access to public transportation system in rural communities and will also be working toward bringing passenger rail back to Idaho.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Karma Metzler Fitzgerald (D)

I look up to the women in my family who came before me. They were incredibly strong and resilient and they did what they had to do to survive. I stand on their shoulders. I have the luxury of not having to merely survive so I want to do what I can to do thrive -- to live in my best light and then to lift and support others who are struggling. I've been given such a great life -- I want to give back to my community as much as I can to show my appreciation.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Karma Metzler Fitzgerald (D)

I remember President Reagan being shot. I was in junior high. I remember people talking about Watergate, but I was a farm kid and thought it was an irrigation issue!

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Karma Metzler Fitzgerald (D)

Working for my dad on the family farm. My parents were divorced so I split my time between time on the farm and time in the city with my mom. When I could work with my dad, I loved it. I could dig corrugates and drive the tractor. I loved being outside, in the dirt and with my dad. I worked with him when I could growing up. The last time I got to do it was just before he sold the farm, about 20 years ago and my older sister and I had to help pick up irrigation pipe. I loved every. single. second!

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Karma Metzler Fitzgerald (D)

Checks and balances

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Karma Metzler Fitzgerald (D)

We have to overcome the supermajority and get to a place where both sides of the proverbial aisle are working together for the best Idaho.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Karma Metzler Fitzgerald (D)

It is certainly helpful to understand the nuances of public policy.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Karma Metzler Fitzgerald (D)

Education, Agriculture, Transportation and Health and Welfare