James Petzke is a Republican representative for Idaho House District 21A, first elected in November 2022 and sworn in on December 1, 2022. A conservative businessman and entrepreneur, he has lived in Idaho since age 2, owns Upland Optics , and has started four companies, acquired two, and sold three. He serves on the House Appropriations , Business, and Transportation committees, advocating for balanced budgets, property tax cuts, and Career Technical Education. Notable achievements include co-sponsoring a bill mandating personal finance classes in Idaho high schools.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Wood River High School; earned an A.A. and B.A. from Boise State University; Master's degree in Finance from Harvard Extension School. Member of Small Business Administration’s Emerging Leaders program, BSU’s Venture College, and national award winner in Business Professionals of America.
• Early Career: Interned in Blaine County School District ; worked in marketing at Bodybuilding.com as SEO specialist and program manager.
• Political Experience: Elected to Idaho House in 2022 for District 21A; serves on Appropriations, Business, and Transportation committees; key role in financial literacy legislation and state budget conservatism.