The Coach vs. the Firefighter: Connor Cook challenges incumbent Barbara Ehardt in District 33 showdown

Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls, will face Republican Connor Cook in the May 19 primary election in District 33 House Seat A.

She is seeking a fifth term.

In her four Republican primary elections, Ehardt has been challenged by a Republican just once.

She faced her first and only Republican in 2022, when she beat Jeff Thompson with 57% of the vote.

Cook, a newcomer to politics, said he thinks Ehardt has stopped listening to her constituents.

He said he would bring common sense to the Statehouse from a blue collar perspective.

He’s worked as a paramedic and firefighter for 10 years and is a...