Riggs starts campaign for state House seat

Peter Riggs announced Thursday he is seeking election to the Idaho House of Representatives, seat B in District 3.

The position is now held by freshman Rep. Don Cheatham, R-Post Falls, who has not yet announced whether he will seek a second term.

“As a lifelong resident, I have a deep-rooted passion for this area,” Riggs said in a press release announcing the launch of his campaign. “I am a conservative Republican; however, I don’t believe that has to be synonymous with obstructionist behavior. It is common sense that a vibrant, free economy and quality education are two vital ‘Pillars of Freedom’ that must be protected and enhanced to ensure the success and continuing existence of this country.’

Riggs said three other ‘Pillars of Freedom’ must be “unequivocally protected” — freedom of speech, freedom of religion and the right to keep and bear arms.

“The freedom to speak your mind, especially in the form of prayer, must be protected from those who would attempt to twist the First Amendment in an effort to remove God from America. It is critically important that we not only protect ourselves from those who would limit what we think and say, but also those who would limit our ability to protect ourselves and our families,” he said. “America is at a crossroads, and Idaho has an important role to play in protecting states’ rights. I believe Idaho can lead the way for other states in how to deal with federal over-reach. As Idahoans, we are confident in our personal liberties and our state’s rights. I will protect and preserve those Idaho values that define us.”

Riggs was born and raised in North Idaho and comes from a family with more than 80 years of history in the region. He graduated from Lake City High School in Coeur d’Alene before getting his undergraduate degree and then his master’s of business administration from the University of Idaho.

His wife, Tyree, was also raised in North Idaho, and together they have two sons, ages 4 and 1.

Riggs has more than a decade of experience in the franchising industry, both as a franchisee and a franchisor, developing businesses and employing people. He first became a Pita Pit franchisee in 2003, and then was part of the team that took the reins of Pita Pit USA in 2005.

Riggs is active with the International Franchise Association’s Legislative Action Group and Franchise Action Network. He also participates locally on the Board of Directors for the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce and the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association.