Andy ArriagaCandidate

Andy Arriaga

State SenateDemocrat

ID-SD-20 State Senate

Mexican-American·Commissioner, Meridian Solid Waste Advisory Commission (appointed by Mayor Robert Simison, Oct 2023-present)

Why This Race Matters

Andy Arriaga is running against Josh Keyser (R, incumbent).

Arriaga is running a rematch against Josh Keyser in deep-red Idaho SD-20. In 2024, Keyser won 69.6% to Arriaga's 30.4%. The GOP primary features three candidates -- Keyser, Jacob Ball, and Russell Spencer -- which could weaken the eventual Republican nominee.

District covers Meridian and Western Ada County, north of I-84. Arriaga ran unopposed in the 2024 Democratic primary with 956 total votes (100%). He is a native Spanish speaker who volunteers as a translator for Latino/Hispanic refugee families seeking asylum through Interfaith Sanctuary. Diagnosed with ABPA in 2016 and underwent thoracic surgery Dec 2023 to remove infected lung tissue. UCLA graduate (1997) who studied abroad at Universidad Complutense de Madrid.

Key dates to watch: Primary on May 19, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Andy Arriaga is a Democratic candidate running for Idaho State Senate District 20 (Meridian/Western Ada County). Born in Los Angeles and raised by a single mother with two sisters, he moved to Idaho and built a career in financial analysis and public service. A native Spanish speaker, he volunteers as a translator helping Latino/Hispanic refugee families seeking asylum through Interfaith Sanctuary. After losing the 2024 general election to Josh Keyser (30.4% vs 69.6%), he is running again in 2026 on a platform prioritizing unity, smart growth, and women's reproductive rights.

Family & Heritage

Born in Los Angeles, California. Raised by a single mother with two sisters. His upbringing by women strongly influences his advocacy for women's reproductive rights and healthcare. Moved to Boise, Idaho area where he has established roots in the community.

Political Career

Before Politics

Public Works Analyst, City of Boise (Utility Financial Management Division); Founder & CEO, ARRIAGA Capital Group (2023-present); Deal Manager, ReVera Capital (2022); Co-Founder/President & CEO, Freedemption Logistics Inc./Proximity - supply chain management (2019-2021); Consultant, Zusho Venture Partners; Analyst/Associate, Bank of America Securities (2006-2008); Financial Analyst

Education

B.A. in Business Economics, University of California, Los Angeles (1997); Junior year abroad at Universidad Complutense de Madrid studying Spanish and English Literature

Key Issues & Priorities

*Women's reproductive rights and healthcare access
*Smart growth and affordable housing
*Professional sports recruitment to Idaho
*Opposition to book banning
*Middle-class support
*Cross-party collaboration and unity
*Transparency and accountability in governance
*Public safety

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