Cornel Rasor is an American politician who has represented district 1B in the Idaho House of Representatives since his appointment in September 2024.[1] He replaced Sage Dixon, who resigned to accept a role as regional director for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.[2] Raser received his appointment from Governor Brad Little and was endorsed by the Bonner County Republican Party.[1][2]
In the 2026 Legislation session, Cornel Rasor sponsored House Bill 752, Legislation that prohibits individuals from entering restrooms or changing rooms designated for the opposite biological sex in public facilities and places of public accommodation. The bill was signed into law on April 1, 2026, Taking affect June 1st 2026.
Early life and education
editRasor was born in Jackson, California and received an undergraduate degree from North Idaho College and the University of Idaho.[3] As a high school student at Sandpoint High School in Idaho, he was a member of the Future Farmers of America.[4][5] He grew up on a cattle ranch.[3]
Political career
editIn 2013, Rasor attracted national attention after remarking that he'd "hire a gay guy if I thought he was a good worker. But if he comes to work in a tutu … he’s not producing what I want in my office.”.[6][7]
2020 State House of Representatives Candidacy
editCornel Rasor announced his candidacy to represent District 7B in the Idaho House of Representatives on May 2nd, 2020.[8] He expressed strong support for the second amendment and faced Charlie Shepherd in the Republican Party primary election on June 2, 2020.[8] Rasor was narrowly defeated by Shepherd, receiving 48% of the vote to Shepherd's 52%
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Charlie Shepherd | 4,414 | 52.1% | |
| Republican | Cornel Rasor | 4,051 | 47.9% | |
| Total votes | 8,465 | 100% | ||
2024 State House of Representatives Candidacy
editRaser filed paperwork to run for District 1B in the Idaho House of Representatives in late 2023 and officially declared his candidacy in May of 2024.[10] He narrowly defeated Chuck Lowman in the Republican primary, winning by a margin of 4%. Rasor was endorsed by the Bonner Country Republican Party.[2]
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Cornel Rasor | 7,623 | 52.0% | |
| Republican | Chuck Lowman | 7,042 | 48.0% | |
| Total votes | 8,465 | 100% | ||
Appointment
editShortly after the Republican primary, incumbent Representative Sage Dixon announced he would resign his House position in order to accept a regional director for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.[2] Governor Brad Little officially appointed Rasor to the seat on September 30, 2024.[1]
References
edit- 1 2 3 Lobsinger, Caroline (2024-09-28). "Rasor appointed to open LD1 seat". Bonner County Daily Bee. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- 1 2 3 4 "Dixon steps down from 1B House seat". Bonner County Daily Bee. 2024-09-12. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- 1 2 "Cornel Rasor". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ↑ "Future Farmers End Record Year". Bonner County Daily Bee. Vol. 8, no. 234. 1974-05-22. pp. 25–26 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "SHS Students Win UP Awards". Bonner County Daily Bee. Vol. 8, no. 234. 1974-05-22. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Hagadone, Zach (2013-06-18). "Idaho GOPer to Spokesman-Review: 'I'd Hire a Gay Guy, But ...'". Idaho Press. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ↑ "Idaho GOP wants non-discrimination ordinances voided". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- 1 2 "Rasor seeks House seat". Bonner County Daily Bee. 2020-05-02. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ↑ "2020 May 19 Republican Primary State Representative B District 7". Idaho Secretary of State.
- ↑ "New candidates for BoCo commissioner, Dist. 1A House". Sandpoint Reader. 2024-02-23. Retrieved 2024-09-28.
- ↑ "2024 Idaho Legislative Primary Results". Idaho Reports. PBS.