by Logan Finney, Idaho Reports
Sandpoint mayor Shelby Rognstad officially announced his campaign for governor Monday in Lewiston.
Rognstad has been the mayor of Sandpoint since 2015 and previously served on the city council. He is also a board member of the Bonner County Economic Development Corporation and the Association of Idaho Cities.
Rognstad spoke about his family history growing up in Lewiston. He was introduced by Jesse Maldonado, Idaho Democratic Party vice chair and former Lewiston city councilor.
“I grew up in a conservative family,” Rognstad said, but at a time when party didn’t divide families and people had shared values.
His campaign website says Rognstad has noticed that Idaho has changed, and “we need to come back together and restore our Idaho values.”
“The Republican Party I grew up with has become more extreme,” Rognstad said. “Now more than ever, Idaho needs leadership.”
Issues listed on his campaign site include funding schools, protecting public lands and our democratic system, and a science-based approach to healthcare.
Rognstad has criticized current Gov. Brad Little’s coronavirus pandemic response, calling on the governor to implement statewide measures rather than relying on a patchwork of local policies.
“He tried to pass off his responsibility onto us, local elected leaders. We tried and it isn’t working,” Rognstad wrote in a September Idaho Statesman op-ed. “Council members and health board members, school boards, responsible businesses and even library boards and staff have faced intimidation and even threats.”
Rognstad joins fellow Democratic candidate Melissa Sue Robinson in the primary for governor. He filed paperwork on Oct. 6 to appoint AJ Balukoff as campaign treasurer.
You can watch the announcement here.
***MEDIA ADVISORY***
Democrat Shelby Rognstad to Announce Candidacy for Governor of Idaho
LEWISTON, IDAHO — Shelby Rognstad, current mayor of Sandpoint, will formally announce his candidacy for Governor of Idaho in the November 8th, 2022 General Election on November 8th, 2021 at the Lewis Clark Hotel. Rognstad will be joined by his friends, family and local supporters and will speak on his run for office.
The media is encouraged to attend, masks are recommended.
WHAT: Shelby Rognstad will address supporters and media at his candidacy launch as he kicks off his bid for statewide office.
WHO: Shelby Rognstad, candidate for Governor of Idaho
WHERE: Lewis Clark Hotel located at 111 Main St, Lewiston, ID 83501
WHEN: Monday, November 8th, 2021, at 4:00pm PT/5:00pm MT
BIO: Shelby Rognstad is a fourth generation Idahoan, born and raised in Lewiston, Idaho. After graduating from the University of Idaho, he opened his own business and has been a small business owner and operator since 2005. Shelby began his career in public service in Sandpoint in 2007 and for the last 14 years has served in various positions in local government, including City Council President and was elected Mayor of Sandpoint in 2015. In 2019 he was re-elected Mayor, making him only the second in Sandpoint’s history to serve two terms. In addition to serving as mayor, Shelby also serves as a board member of the Association of Idaho Cities and currently serves on the Board of the Bonner County Economic Development Corporation. Shelby lives with his wife and two children in Sandpoint where they enjoy all the outdoor activities Idaho has to offer.
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