Malek for Congress?

By KEITH COUSINS

Staff Writer

COEUR d’ALENE — A local state legislator could throw his name into the mix in an upcoming race for one of Idaho’s congressional seats.

Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene, confirmed with The Press Wednesday he has been privately discussing with friends and family the potential of a congressional run. If he chooses to become a candidate, the third-term state representative would be vying for a seat that will likely be vacated by current U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador, who has already announced he plans on running for governor in 2018.

“I’ve always wondered about it,” Malek told The Press. “Right now I’m just focused on what a change in my public service would mean for my family, the people I’m currently serving, and the people I would be serving.”

When asked when an official announcement could be expected, Malek said he was unsure. An official statement that was circulated this week about Malek considering candidacy, he added, was made mostly in response to a media inquiry.

Malek, who works as an attorney in Coeur d’Alene, said he was uncomfortable saying much more at this point since no official candidate paperwork has been filed with the state.

“The people of the first district deserve a representative who will fight for jobs, for education and for the future of Idaho’s families,” Malek’s official statement reads. “I have been discussing running for Congress with close family and friends, and recognize that serving our district in congress is a commitment that cannot be taken lightly.”

Two other Republican candidates, former Lt. Gov. David Leroy and former state Sen. Russ Fulcher, have already entered the congressional race. Former chair of President Donald Trump’s campaign, Layne Bangerter, has also said he’s considering running for the seat, according to the Associated Press.

The congressional district covers the northern half of Idaho and works its way down to the western portion of the Treasure Valley.