Lifelong Idaho resident Damian D. Rodriguez announces his candidacy for Idaho State House of Representatives in District 27, Seat A, as a Democratic Party candidate.

Damian believes Idaho is a great place to live.  We have the lowest crime rate, low-cost of living, a strong economy, and beautiful majestic panoramic views from anywhere in the state.  

However Rodriguez states, “It’s time to rotate the Crops.” It’s time for new leadership.  The other party has run unchallenged and without a qualified opponent.  The last time a Democrat ran in the district was back in 2002. “I want to show that Democrats are lifelong Idahoan locals who want to better and improve society. I’m running, because I want to see a better future for our community. If not now, when? If not me, who? We all have to do our part in bettering the community and I believe - I can make a difference by listening to local people and not outside groups with different agendas.”

“Since the early 2000s, there have been no choices for voters and no solutions coming from the legislature either.  Recent Republican legislation and party infighting haven’t led to increased wages or common sense improvements for farmers.  I’m running, because I want choices on my ballot and I want someone who understands the community,” says Rodriguez.   It’s time to try a little common sense.   He says his main concern in Idaho is our Education, Healthcare, the needs of the working class and decent roads.  If we make these improvements everything else falls into place. 

Damian D. Rodriguez has strong roots in district 27 (which includes Oneida, Cassia and Minidoka County). While he was born in Melvin, Texas his parents came to the area in the 1950s as migrant farmers.  His parents decided to stay in Idaho.  They became residents of Burley.  His mother became a Licensed Practical Nurse; his father worked for Farmers Equity and retired from Ore-Ida. 

Damian was a migrant worker during summer months alongside the Rodriguez family of Oakley. Damian worked locally in the fields of Oakley, Declo, Burley, Minidoka, and traveled to Oregon, California, and Washington for field work.  After finishing High school in Burley, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and retired as a Master Sergeant.  Rodriguez is a Vietnam Era Veteran and Operation Iraqi Veteran working in the hospitals and field hospitals. 

With assistance from the G.I. Bill, Damian earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from the Community College of the Air Force in Health Care Management, Associate degree from The College of Southern Idaho; Bachelor of Arts from Idaho State University in Journalism, and a Master of Education from the University of Idaho in Counseling and Human Services.  Rodriguez speaks fluent English and Spanish.

Damian worked as a Staff Writer at the South Idaho Press and writer for the Times News.   He retired from the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation as Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.  He loved this job as he was able to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities.   

Damian is a community leader and served as a board member of the Idaho Migrant Council, Board member of Tu Voz Inc., and now a Board member at Cassia Regional Hospital.  He also is a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Rupert.  He and his wife, Imelda L. Gomez-Rodriguez, live in Paul.  Mrs. Gomez-Rodriquez is a retired elementary school teacher.