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Lt Gov Scott Bedke

Featured Article

Gem State Leaders

Celebrating Idaho’s dedicated public servants shaping communities and preserving the state’s cherished values and traditions

Article by Chelsea Chambers

Photography by Provided

Originally published in Boise Lifestyle

There’s no greater honor than serving your community, and Idaho is home to many exceptional leaders who have dedicated their lives to public service. From preserving our natural resources to ensuring public safety and protecting our quality of life, these individuals embody the values that make the Gem State a remarkable place to live, work, and thrive.

Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke


Lt. Governor Bedke is a fourth-generation Idaho cattle rancher from Oakley. He and his wife Sarah, along with their four children and 16 grandchildren, are proud to call Idaho home. Bedke enjoys gardening and golfing, “although I don’t get enough time to do either one as much as I’d like,” he said. The Bedkes are a shining example of why the Gem State is the perfect place to live, work, and raise a family. “Idaho has offered us the opportunity to accomplish the American dream. What drew me to politics was a concern for my own future as a public land rancher. Federal land management policy is ever-changing, and those changes are driven by politics. So generational continuity as a public land ranching family necessitates being active in the policy setting realm.”

Senator Ali Rabe


“Growing up in Middleton, surrounded by farm fields and Idaho’s great outdoors, I learned how special our state is,” shared Senator Rabe. “Some of my earliest memories involve picking potatoes in my backyard, learning to drive on winding dirt roads, fishing with dad, and playing in mom’s garden.” An attorney and nonprofit leader, Rabe was introduced to public service at a young age. Her mother was a public-school teacher and her father was a state employee for the Department of Transportation. “We have enjoyed a tight-knit sense of community, a beautiful and open environment, and affordable cost of living. Idahoans are invested in keeping our state a wonderful place to live; however, we are currently facing new challenges in the face of rapid growth which must be addressed.” Rabe maintains her commitment to serving the people of Idaho and protecting our quality of life.

Sheriff Matt Clifford


A lifelong Idahoan, Sheriff Clifford grew up in north Idaho and moved south in 1995 to attend Boise State University. He and his family loved Boise so much, they decided to stay. After finishing his degree, he immediately got a job at the Ada County Sheriff’s Office. Clifford hails from a long line of public servants—his parents and many members of his family are schoolteachers, his brother is a fireman, and Clifford found his place in law enforcement.
“We are working every day to solve problems in our community. So that is definitely what has kept me here for well over two decades.” As you can imagine, it can be a difficult job at times, but Clifford has remained tried and true to the old saying, “Do the right thing, not the easy thing.”

Councilwoman Melissa Gindlesperger


Newer to the state, Councilwoman Gindlesperger was looking for ways to serve her community and make a positive impact in the area she lived. Like many who come to Idaho, she was drawn to the Gem State’s allure. “The quality of life is exceptional—stunning natural landscapes, accessible outdoor activities, and a slower pace that fosters balance and well-being. Idaho truly feels like a place where you can thrive and call home. I’m passionate about protecting personal liberties and maintaining safety for all, as these are the foundations of a healthy society. I also believe in being part of the solution rather than just complaining about how things are done.”