BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Idaho Gov. Brad Little on Wednesday appointed Aaron von Ehlinger to immediately fill a northern Idaho House seat until November’s general election.
The Republican governor made the appointment one day after von Ehlinger won the Republican primary for the seat.
Von Ehlinger had challenged incumbent Republican Rep. Thyra Stevenson for the seat representing Nez Perce and Lewis counties.
But Stevenson died on May 11 following a heart attack. Stevenson remained on the Republican primary ballot because it was too late to change forms, but von Ehlinger won with about 78% of the vote.
The 6th Legislative District Republican Central Committee following Stevenson’s death had nominated von Ehlinger and two others as potential picks for Little.
Von Ehlinger now becomes the incumbent in the November general election, where he is running unopposed.
“Representative Stevenson’s passing has affected all of us at the Capitol, and she will be missed,” Little said in a statement. “I want to wish Aaron the best of luck as he begins his term in the Idaho Legislature, and I know he will represent the people of District 6 well.”
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