Mary Shea for Idaho

06/13/2026

Had a great time catching up with friends and colleagues at the Idaho Trial Lawyers meeting last week, and the State Public Defenders’ conference this week.

I am a certified Child Welfare Law Specialist, and at this stage of my career, child welfare law is a priority. I have been lucky to have had a lot of different kinds of law practice experience: criminal and civil; trial and appeal; state and federal court; juvenile and adult; specialty courts like probate and guardianships; and everything from the smallest of claims to the highest of stake, including government policy and constitutional principles.

Nothing has brought me as much soul satisfaction as the child welfare work I have focused on for the last eight years.

Working with kids and families in crisis has taught me about myself, and about the human condition. These are some lessons I have learned over the years:

1. Personal responsibility isn’t optional. It is the only thing that consistently changes lives. It isn’t possible for me to lift my clients up unless they are willing to do the hard work of acknowledging and seeing the problems, and accepting the help to solve them, and putting in the hard work it takes to make real change that can be permanent.

We don’t win them all but when we do, it feels really good to leave people in a much better space than where they started.

2. Good government creates the conditions for people to help themselves and thrive. We have to invest in creating the systems that allow families to solve their problems.

3. Kids love their parents unconditionally just as parents love their children, even if they have made hurtful choices. It is always better for everyone, including our communities, to keep families together when we can do it safely.

4. Community matters. No one is an island and no one should be afraid to ask for help when you need it, or to lean on your support systems when you need it. We are social animals and we thrive with genuine supportive connection, individually and collectively.

These are the core values I plan to
take with me to Boise as a legislator for D29.

Help me get there with your donation, your time, or your vote.

05/28/2026

So many of you have asked how you can help us win in November. I’m here to tell you that one of the most impactful ways is by knocking doors with us in District 29.

Join our weekly coordinated canvassing effort and be part of the team working to elect Idaho House candidate Mary Shea, incumbent Senator James Ruchti, and me to represent Pocatello.

Can’t make it this week? Join us next week, or the week after that. We’re hosting canvassing sessions every single week through Election Day, and there’s always a place for you on the team.

Host(s) Madison Paules • [email protected] This is the weekly D-29 coordinated campaign canvassing effort. Please sign up and help the Idaho Democratic Party canvas your neighbors in District 29. Your efforts will directly help Idaho House candidates Mary Shea, Nate Roberts, and incumbent ...

05/26/2026

Thank you friends. I plan to work hard to join you in 2027.

And if you want to help us flip a seat this November, please donate, volunteer, and VOTE!

What kind of leadership does Idaho need right now?

Leadership grounded in experience. Leadership that understands people, policy, and the real challenges Idaho families face every day.

That’s exactly what Mary Shea brings to the table.
For decades, Mary has served the Pocatello community as a trial lawyer, educator, advocate, and mother of three.

As a respected attorney focused on family and child protection law, she understands how to thoughtfully analyze legislation, navigate complex issues, and fight for solutions that improve people’s lives.

Her leadership extends beyond the courtroom. Mary has served as both a teacher and department head at Idaho State University, mentored future leaders, and worked alongside the Idaho Bar and community organizations to expand opportunities for others across Idaho.

Recently, Mary was recognized with the inaugural Idaho Women Lawyers “Catalyst for Change” Award - an honor recognizing leaders who break barriers, champion progress, and help shape a stronger future for Idaho.

Mary isn’t interested in political theater; she’s focused on doing the work. She believes Idaho families deserve strong public schools, accessible healthcare and mental health resources, economic stability, and leadership committed to building stronger communities for future generations.

As a mother, educator, and lifelong public servant, Mary Shea understands what’s at stake, and she’s ready to fight for the future Idaho families deserve.

05/25/2026

Today I’m remembering all the sacrifices the brave have made for all of us- for an America of the people, by the people, and for the people. I’m remembering our soldiers and veterans, and also all the people who have given their lives to fight for and protect our rights to equality and the right to vote. Never take progress for granted. Never take the right to vote for granted. And today, I invite you to share my gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.

05/19/2026

Get out and vote! Did you know in Idaho you can register at the polls? Let’s keep voting accessible to everyone and let’s make our voice heard!

05/09/2026

05/07/2026

I know it’s a busy Saturday in Pocatello but if you are looking for a feel good way to spend your mid day come walk with us for mental health.

If you or a loved one are impacted by serious mental illness, you need community and support. Join us and learn more about this great organization.

04/28/2026

Early Voting has started in Bannock County- Legislative Districts 28 & 29! Voting in person is available from 8:30-4:30 at the new and improved Bannock County Elections Office. You can also drop off absentee ballots here. Early in person voting ends May 15 so make your plan to vote!

And don’t forget to come to the D29 Campaign Kickoff this Saturday, May 2 at Caldwell Park at 3 p.m.! Meet the candidates and , and myself, and hear how your vote and your engagement matters for Idaho! We can’t do it without you- let’s do this D29!

04/24/2026

Hey Friends IUWF and Back to Idaho will be back at the Bru House coffee shop on Main Street collecting signatures on the ballot petition tomorrow Saturday April 25th from 9 am until 3 pm. If you haven’t signed yet now is your chance! Final day to turn in our pages is APRIL 30th!

A lot of you have been reaching out about a text message received this week spouting off a lot of lies about our ballot measure so let me clear some things up. All you have to do is read the ballot yourself. It is attached to the signature page.

1. Our ballot measure has NOTHING to do with parental consent. There is nothing in the measure that would change Idaho’s new parental consent laws, which are among the strictest in the country. As a lawyer who represents both parents and kids in tough situations, I understand both why parents want to be informed, and why teenagers sometimes don’t feel safe telling their parents everything. But our ballot measure doesn’t change Idaho law.

2. Our ballot measure does NOT require or allow unrestricted abortion care throughout an entire pregnancy. It returns Idaho to the law that existed before 2022-the state may reasonably regulate throughout pregnancy, and they may restrict at viability, so long as they allow care for medical emergencies. That’s it. Simple and common sense.

3. The maternal mortality data they are referencing doesn’t even apply. Our Idaho abortion bans did not even take effect until 2023- so 2022 data is irrelevant. Idaho remains the ONLY state in America with the EMTALA injunction that protects emergency abortion care, thanks to good lawyers Judges and doctors. The relevant data is maternal mortality data in states with harsh bans without the EMTALA protection. Also the number of Idaho women seeking medical care out of state or being life flighted out to get it. Also the near misses and other bad outcomes in Idaho and other harsh ban states caused by delayed care.

Take it from a seasoned trial attorney- if they have to lie, they are losing. And they know it. Idaho knows best.

04/23/2026

Thank you to IWL, to everyone who nominated me and supported me. I stand on the shoulders of giants, and I’m committed to carrying on their good work.

A local attorney recently received a prestigious award.