James Nechwedowich

James Nechwedowich, Republican candidate for Idaho House District 17, Seat A

James R. Nechwedowich is the Republican nominee for Idaho House District 17, Seat A, on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. He is challenging Democratic incumbent John Gannon, who has held the seat since 2013. Nechwedowich won the May 19, 2026 Republican primary unopposed with 2,097 votes, according to Idaho Secretary of State records.

Background

According to his campaign website, Nechwedowich spent more than 40 years in sales and general management before retiring in 2023. He volunteers as a driver for the Disabled American Veterans, taking local veterans to and from their VA appointments. He and his wife spend time with their four granddaughters in Boise, who compete in volleyball and softball.

Where he stands

His campaign site lists three priorities: affordable housing, water supply, and taxes. On housing, he writes, "The developers are getting rich and we still do not have much in the way of affordable housing for our citizens." On water, he says rising housing demand means the area needs "a good plan to provide water over the next 20 years and beyond." On taxes, he writes, "Taxes keep rising and we need to reverse that trend. We have to look at cutting expenses and reducing the budget needs."

The Idaho Second Amendment Alliance, a gun-rights advocacy group, gave him a 100% score on its 2026 primary candidate survey, which covers positions on topics like firearm preemption, campus carry, and red flag laws.

CBS2/FOX9 sent identical survey questions to every candidate in the District 17A race for its 2026 general election coverage. Nechwedowich did not respond in time, so his name appears in that survey without answers. His opponent responded in full.

Public appearances

Nechwedowich appeared on Idaho Matters, a daily talk show from Boise State Public Radio, on August 20, 2026, to discuss the spread of invasive Norway and roof rats in the Treasure Valley. The same segment covered Gannon's legislative work on the rat problem, including a rat control bill he co-sponsored with a Republican legislator that failed late in the session. The Central District Health Board has since earmarked $250,000 to fight the infestation.

Campaign finance

As of his last filed report with the state, Nechwedowich has reported $0.00 in campaign contributions, $0.00 in expenditures, and a $0.00 cash balance for the 2026 election cycle, per Idaho's Sunshine financial disclosure portal. His campaign site accepts donations.

Sources

• JamesandJustin4Boise.com, campaign website
• CBS2/FOX9, 2026 general election survey, State Representative District 17A
• Idaho Second Amendment Alliance, 2026 Idaho Primary Survey
• Boise State Public Radio, Idaho Matters, "Fighting invasive rats in the Treasure Valley" (August 20, 2026)
• Idaho Sunshine financial disclosure portal, James R Nechwedowich candidate profile