Pereira seeks election to Idaho Senate seat

Michael S. Pereira, a Coeur d’Alene resident for 26 years, announced he will seek the Republican nomination for Idaho State Senator in District 4 in the May 15 primary election.

Sen. Mary Souza, R-Coeur d’Alene, currently holds the position.

Pereira was born and raised in Sacramento, Calif., and relocated to Coeur d’Alene in 1992 when his step-dad opened a construction company.

A 1996 graduate of Lake City High School, Pereira went on to graduate from the University of Idaho in 2001 with a B.S. in environmental sciences. He has been employed in the consulting, engineering and banking industry for the last 18 years and owns two small businesses in Coeur d’Alene.

Pereira, the father of two daughters and two stepsons, is married to Jenn Pereira, a lifetime resident of North Idaho.

“My heart is here, my family is here, and Coeur d’Alene is my home,” Pereira said, in a news release announcing his candidacy.

Pereira has been involved with many community organizations and their boards, including the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Coeur d’Alene, the Coeur Group, CDA2030 and Idaho Drug-Free Youth.

“Relationships, common sense and working together are key to Pereira’s success,” said the news release. “Pereira hopes to take his core values, leadership abilities, and common-sense approach to the next level to make a difference in our Idaho State Legislature and be a voice for the citizens of Coeur d’Alene.”