Coeur d’Alene lawmaker named 2026 statesman; eyes housing, tax relief

Rep. Jordan Redman of Coeur d’Alene was named the 2026 Statesman of the Year by the Gem State Chronicle, a recognition the Chronicle attributed to his work on health care policy and legislative effectiveness. The honor arrived as Redman takes on additional responsibility in the Idaho House, positioning him to influence bills that could affect Kootenai County homeowners and renters in the coming session.

Redman was recently appointed chairman of the Idaho House Business Committee, a post that oversees a range of business and housing-related measures. For the 2026 legislative session he identified housing bills aimed at improving access to homeownership and proposals to provide property tax relief for homeowners. Those priorities signal where his legislative energy will be focused and what local residents should expect from his agenda.

The award also singled out Redman’s role on health care policy. While specifics of upcoming health measures were not detailed, the Chronicle cited his legislative effectiveness in that arena. For local clinics, health providers and families in Kootenai County, state-level shifts in health policy can translate into changes in funding, regulatory burden and access to services, making health care a watchpoint alongside housing and taxes.

Redman thanked constituents and credited his colleagues for legislative accomplishments tied to the recognition. His new chairmanship gives him procedural influence over which business and housing bills come to the floor, and it could make Redman a key negotiator when lawmakers debate tax relief formulas or changes intended to expand homeownership access.

Locally, Kootenai County homeowners and prospective buyers have reason to pay attention. Proposals to ease the path to homeownership or to adjust property taxes can affect monthly housing costs, resale markets and municipal revenues that fund schools and services. Small business owners and developers will also be attentive to a Business Committee chair who has signaled an interest in housing policy.

Redman’s award underscores the political capital he holds as the 2026 session approaches. For readers in Kootenai County, the practical next step is to monitor proposed bills as they appear in committee hearings and to engage with legislators on specifics that will determine local impact. As Redman moves into a role that blends business oversight with housing priorities, the decisions made this session will shape affordability and property tax conversations across the county.