Jordan to seek District 5 House Seat A

Paulette Jordan is making another run for the state Legislature.

Jordan, 34, of Plummer, will seek the District 5, Seat A position in the House in the May primary. She's running as a Democrat.

District 5 includes areas of Benewah and Latah counties.

Jordan, who is director of enrollment for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, was born and raised in Benewah County.

"I am intimately familiar with the issues of jobs and economic development in the area," she said in a press release. "Whether it is tourism, timber, agriculture, our economy is critical to the people of District 5. As a daughter of hard-working parents, I know how important a job is to a family, especially in rural North Idaho."

As a former member of the Coeur d'Alene Tribal Council, Jordan took part in creating opportunities to partner with local businesses, school and fire districts and cooperative health care services.

"I've worked at bringing people together to solve problems," she said. "In rural Idaho, we need to be resourceful and make every dollar stretch. By working together we work smarter and deliver services people deserve. This collaborative approach is what I would bring to the Idaho House of Representatives."

Jordan lost her bid to be elected to the House in the last election.

"I have been encouraged by many people to run again," she said. "I was taught as a young girl, when you get bucked off a horse, you get right back on. I am returning to the political arena a lot wiser and more seasoned."

Jordan was a substitute at the Legislature when Rep. Shirley Ringo left her seat for three days to deal with family business.

"I am running because there is nothing more important than our children's future," Jordan said.

Jordan, a mother of two and a graduate of the University of Washington, is a longtime advocate for human rights. She serves on the Disability Action Center Board, is a member of the Idaho Farm Bureau and a trustee of the Idaho Heritage Trust Council.

She enjoys mentoring young people and coaching youth sports. She's also a guest speaker for youth and leadership events.