TWIN FALLS, Idaho – Rep. Stephen Hartgen, R-Twin Falls, said Monday he will retire at the end of the current term and is endorsing his wife to replace him in the House of Representatives.

“As many of you know, I have had some health issues these past few years following a viral infection in 2013, and believe this is now the time to retire,” Hartgen said in an announcement on Monday.

Hartgen has served for five terms in the Idaho House, and is hoping his wife, Linda Hartgen, will replace him on District Seat 24B.

Courtesy, Hartgen's official website.
Courtesy, Hartgen's official website.
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“I have deeply enjoyed serving as a southern Idaho representative, first for Twin Falls and Owyhee counties, and more recently for Twin Falls itself. It’s been an honor and privilege to hold this seats for five terms and to be able to advance common sense, Republican values which reflect the best of southern Idaho.”

Hartgen says he is endorsing his wife because “I can think of no better replacement candidate than my wife Linda, who has a stellar record of public service in the Magic Valley.”

Among other things, Linda Hartgen has served as clerk for Twin Falls County, a jury commissioner, president of the CSI Foundation, Southern Idaho GOP Women’s Club member, and president of the Twin Falls Kiwanis Club.

She also served as her husband’s substitute in the Legislature and as vice president of the Legislative spouses’ weekly programs committee on various legislative tours and seminars.

“I am honored to have served in Idaho state government in the judiciary branch for many years,” Linda Hartgen said in the same news release, “and feel I can represent the Southern Idaho area and Twin Falls community well in the House. I’d appreciate your support on the May primary ballot.”

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