Idaho lawmaker in the news: Luke Malek

Luke Malek

Hometown: Coeur d’Alene

Party: Republican

District: Malek’s District 4 includes the city of Coeur d’Alene.

Background: A third-term state representative, Malek is sponsoring major legislation this year to reform Idaho’s restrictive liquor license system. He’s also been active in negotiations over health care legislation. Last year, he helped win approval for a four-year computer science degree program in Coeur d’Alene, under the auspices of the University of Idaho and North Idaho College, from his post on the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.

Last election: Malek won his third term with 68.8 percent of the vote, defeating Democratic challenger Patrick Mitchell; he won the GOP primary with 58.4 percent of the vote over challenger Art Macomber.

Age: 35

Committee assignments: Vice chair of Judiciary, Rules and Administration; Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee; Environment, Energy and Technology.

Education: Graduated from Gonzaga Preparatory School, 2000. Earned bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Idaho and law degree from the University of Idaho.

Work experience: Attorney, owner in law firm of Smith & Malek. Former deputy prosecuting attorney in Kootenai County; former North Idaho regional director for Gov. Jim Risch; former executive director of the Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency.

Family: Married

Office phone: (208) 332-1065 during legislative session

Email: lmalek@house.idaho.gov