Jack Sonnich Nelsen is a Republican representative for District 26B in the Idaho House of Representatives, serving since 2022. A third-generation dairy farmer and retired music teacher from Jerome, Idaho, he previously partnered in a family dairy and farming operation for 45 years and taught music part-time at the College of Southern Idaho for over 20 years, including pep band instruction, and served as a general music and band teacher in the Wendell School District for three years. Nelsen has been deeply involved in community service, including 20 years on the Jerome County Planning and Zoning Commission , the Mid-Snake Water Commission, Jerome County Republican Central Committee , Jerome Rotary Club, and as a College of Southern Idaho Board of Trustees member since 2016, where he advocates for technical education and scholarships. He is married to Emily for over 42 years, with three sons. Notable positions include serving on the House committees for Agricultural Affairs, Education, and Resources & Conservation.

Education and Political Experience

Nelsen earned an A.A. in music from the College of Southern Idaho, a B.A. in music from the University of Redlands, and an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from Boise State University. His political experience includes substituting in the Idaho Legislature prior to his 2022 election to represent District 26B, encompassing Blaine, Jerome, and Lincoln counties. As a fiscal conservative, he emphasizes Idaho's economic growth and has described himself as believing government should not dictate women's choices on issues like abortion, though he has faced criticism for votes on reproductive rights, voter ID, ballot delivery, pesticide liability, and gender-affirming care.