Jonathan Parker (politician)

Parker graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in political science. He then pursued a master's degree in Pastoral Ministries at Rhema Bible College in Tulsa, Oklahoma.[1]

Parker was with the Idaho Water Users Association in the early 2000s.[2] He served has Congressman Bill Sali District Director in 2007.[3]

Parker was with the Boise office of the Holland and Hart law firm from July 2012[4][5] to 2018, Parker served has the Idaho director of government affairs for firm.[6]

Parker since 2018 works with the public policy group CapitolWest in Boise.

Parker served as campaign manager in Norm Semanko's campaign for Idaho's 1st congressional district election, 2006.[7]

Parker served as campaign manager to Bill Sali re election campaign.[8]

Parked worked on Donna Jones election to Idaho state controller in 2006.[7]

Parker served as the Chairman, National Committeeman, and Secretary[9] of the Idaho Young Republican Federation.[10]

In 2009, Parker was selected by Chairman Norm Semanko to serve as Executive Director.[11] During his tenure, the Idaho Republican Party had its most successful election year (2010) up until that time. All Republicans were reelected to Statewide office, Walt Minnick, Democratic Congressman in the Idaho's 1st congressional district, was defeated,[12] and Republicans won an additional five seats in the Idaho Legislature.[13]

Parker was elected Idaho Republican Party chairman on July 22, 2017.[14] Parker was elected to fill the position when Steve Yates, the former chairman, stepped down in April, 2017.[15] Parker was re elected with unanimous consent on June 29, 2018.[16] Parker resigned February 20, 2019, citing a need to spend more time as a father.[17]

In March 2019, some weeks after his resignation as IDGOP Chairman, he became estranged from his wife.[18] According to local press, Parker was allegedly seen near his estranged wife's apartment complex several times between May 16 and May 30 of 2019, leading to his arrest on a charge of felony stalking.[18] Boise State Public Radio stated "police say Parker repeatedly disguised himself with a wig and masturbated while hiding in bushes near his wife’s apartment complex."[19] Parker was released on bail. David Leroy, retained as defense by Parker, described the issues as the "product of a grand misunderstanding." As of December 11, Parker was sentenced to concurrent 14 day sentences.[18]