Sonia Galaviz

Soñia Galaviz: Idaho Democratic Candidate for Senate District 16

Soñia R. Galaviz is a Democratic member of the Idaho House of Representatives currently representing District 16A, who is running for the open Idaho State Senate District 16 seat in 2026. District 16 covers portions of Boise and Garden City in Ada County. Galaviz lives in Boise and faces Democrat Justin "Justice" Mitson in the May 19, 2026, Democratic primary, as reported by the Idaho Capital Sun. The winner will face the winner of the Republican primary between Geoffrey Surbeck and LeeJoe Lay in the November 3, 2026, general election.

Background

Galaviz was born and raised in the Silver Valley region of northern Idaho and is the daughter of immigrants from Mexico, per Wikipedia. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education, a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction, and an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction with a STEM education emphasis, all from Boise State University in 2002, 2005, and 2020 respectively, per Ballotpedia. She teaches as a Title 1 interventionist at Whittier Elementary School in Boise, per Wikipedia, and has spent 20 years teaching in Title 1 schools. She has two children, MacKenzie and Max, and describes herself as an avid outdoors enthusiast working toward visiting all of the National Parks. Her teaching career has earned several national and state recognitions. She received the National Education Association Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence in 2017, per the Gem State Chronicle, was named the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights Idaho Human Rights Educator of the Year in 2020, and was honored as a Boise State University Distinguished Alumni in 2021.

Political Career

Galaviz was first elected to the Idaho House of Representatives in November 2022, defeating Republican Mark Montoya and Independent Wayne Richey in the general election, per Ballotpedia. She ran unopposed in the 2024 Democratic primary and defeated Republican Chandler Hadraba in the November 2024 general election, 14,177 to 9,044. She is currently serving her second term in House District 16A. In her first term, Galaviz served on the Education, Local Government, and Resources and Conservation committees, per her Idaho Legislature biography. In her current second term, she sits on the Appropriations Committee (JFAC), Environment, Energy and Technology Committee, Resources and Conservation Committee, the Joint Millennium Fund Committee, and the Legislative Council, per the Gem State Chronicle. Three-term Sen. Ali Rabe announced she would not seek re-election in 2026 and endorsed Galaviz to succeed her, per Idaho Education News. Galaviz filed for the open Senate seat, vacating her House District 16A seat.

Policy Positions

Galaviz's documented policy priorities center on public education, STEM access for underserved students, and environmental stewardship, reflecting her two decades as a Title 1 educator and her committee work on education and natural resources. Her campaign website at soniagalaviz.com describes her as a tireless advocate for Idaho's kids both in and out of the classroom. As a JFAC member in 2026, she has been positioned at the center of the legislature's budget process, giving her direct experience with appropriations decisions affecting education funding. Her House legislative record and committee work are consistent with Democratic priorities on public school investment, environmental protection, and local government accountability.

Political Alignment

Galaviz is a Liberal Democrat whose career as a Title 1 educator, her advocacy for STEM education for underserved populations, her civil rights recognition from the Wassmuth Center, and her endorsement from outgoing Sen. Ali Rabe reflect alignment with the organized progressive wing of Idaho's Democratic caucus. Her JFAC appointment and her committee work on environment and natural resources give her a broad legislative portfolio that extends beyond her core education focus.

Campaign and Endorsements

Galaviz has been endorsed by outgoing Sen. Ali Rabe for the 2026 Senate race, per Idaho Education News. She is listed in the Ada County Democrats' 2026 voter guide. Campaign finance records are available through the Idaho Secretary of State's Sunshine database.