Jim Woodward is a Republican member of the Idaho State Senate, representing District 1 . A lifelong Idaho resident born and raised in Bonners Ferry, he reclaimed his seat in 2024 after previously serving from 2018 to 2022, defeating Scott Herndon in the primary and Corey Rose in the general . His term began December 1, 2024, and ends December 1, 2026. Notable achievements include advancing teacher pay raises, education budgets, and policies shifting school employees to state insurance for better health benefits at lower costs; he has served on Education and Finance committees, focusing on education, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility. Woodward is a business owner, retired U.S. Navy Commander , and community leader on boards like Northern Lights Electric Cooperative, Sagle Fire District, and Bonner General Hospital Foundation.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Bonners Ferry High School; spent a year as a foreign exchange student in Germany; earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Idaho.
• Political Experience: First elected in 2018 succeeding Shawn Keough ; lost 2022 primary to Scott Herndon but won rematch in 2024; previously on Northern Lights board, East Bonner County Snowmobile Groomer Advisory Board, and volunteer Sagle Fire Commissioner.