Souza announces run for Idaho GOP chair

COEUR D ALENE – Mary Souza of Coeur d'Alene announced her candidacy for the Idaho Republican Party chairmanship on Thursday.

"I am running to restore unity within our party and to reaffirm our dedication to the conservative values that have long defined the Republican spirit," Souza said in a press release. "Our party stands at a crossroads, and it is essential that we come together to support the robust agenda set forth by President Donald Trump, to secure our southern border, and to protect Idaho from the scourge of drugs like marijuana and fentanyl."

Souza previously served eight years in the Idaho Senate, serving as a vice-chairman in Health and Welfare and Commerce. She advocated for parental choice options in education while balancing the need for public schools, the release said. 

Souza will face current GOP chair Dorothy Moon. 

"As Idaho’s next Republican Chairwoman, Mary Souza will tirelessly fight to bring conservative Republicans back to the table where they rightfully belong, to ensure the Idaho Republican Party continues to be the 'big tent' for which Ronald Reagan passionately fought," the release said.

Souza said it's time for a unified Republican Party.

"Together, we can achieve great things for Idaho," she said.