Andrew Messer

Andrew Messer is a Republican candidate for Idaho House District 25 Seat A in the May 19, 2026 Republican primary. The seat covers parts of Jerome County and the Twin Falls area in the Magic Valley and is open with no incumbent on the primary ballot. Messer is one of four Republicans on the ballot alongside Josh Callen, Zaine Newberry, and Grayson Stone; the general election is November 3, 2026.

Background

Messer, 70, is a Twin Falls resident who moved to Idaho from California (San Diego, Glendale/Burbank, and Huntington Beach areas) approximately a decade ago. He graduated high school in Indiana in 1974, earned a Bachelor of Science in political science and criminal justice from Ball State University, and is an Eagle Scout, per his campaign website. His pre-retirement career spanned approximately 35 years across law enforcement, juvenile justice, and youth-development nonprofits, including roles as a police officer and dispatcher in Indiana, juvenile probation counselor, regional director with the YMCA, and Boy Scouts of America executive. He is a Baptist and has been married to his wife Sandee since 1984.

Political Career

Messer has not previously held elected office; this is his first legislative candidacy, per Ballotpedia. He did not respond to candidate questionnaires from KIVI / Idaho News 6 or iVoterGuide.

Policy Positions

Messer describes his platform on his campaign website as centered on defending constitutional rights, fiscal responsibility, and traditional values. He explicitly supports the Second Amendment and opposes restrictions on firearms. He advocates for balanced budgets, reduced government spending, and lower taxes. He supports parental rights in education and local control of schools, and has expressed support for school choice. He supports border security and opposes illegal immigration, and promotes veteran support and law enforcement funding. He has not issued detailed policy statements on healthcare, land use, water rights, or agricultural issues specific to District 25.

Political Alignment

Messer aligns with the conservative wing of the Idaho Republican Party. His platform mirrors themes promoted by the Idaho Freedom Foundation — constitutional originalism, fiscal conservatism, and social traditionalism — though no formal IFF endorsement or rating has been documented for this race. He has not received endorsements from major statewide Republican figures as of filing.

Campaign and Endorsements

Messer announced his candidacy in early 2026 and maintains a campaign website at andrewmesser4idaho.com. No major organizational endorsements have been publicly announced. He faces a competitive four-way primary in an open seat. No campaign finance reports indicating significant fundraising have been publicly filed as of this writing.