My name is Julie Van Orden, and I am a lifelong resident of Bingham County. I grew up and worked on a farm where my parents raised potatoes and wheat. I moved pipe in the fields and worked during potato planting and harvesting seasons. I graduated from Blackfoot High School, attended College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls and received a certification from the ISU College of Vocational Technology.

As a child growing up on a potato farm, it was not uncommon to cool off in the summer by using an empty potato cellar as a playground. Running horses in the cellar as we played “pony express” was great entertainment. This was my experience as a child growing up in the Rising River area of Bingham County. Things have changed but there are still some common themes, playing outdoors and riding horses are good for the soul.

I married Garth Van Orden in 1978, and we began our own farming operation in 1982. We have four children-Shaun, Dillon, Jason (deceased) and Lisa. Our two oldest sons are partners in our farming business and our daughter currently lives in Kyoto, Japan where she works for an IT university.

My community involvement includes serving on the Snake River School District Board of Trustees (10 years). In 2012 I was elected to the Idaho House of Representatives and served for 6 years (Chair of the House Education Committee 2 years). I was then appointed to the Idaho Public Charter School Commission and the Idaho Potato Commission. As a substitute I filled in for former Senator Steve Bair during his last year in office before being elected to the Idaho Senate in the spring of 2022. During this term I was appointed to the Finance Committee and as the chair for the Health and Welfare Committee.

Being involved in local and state government has been an important part of my life, but I delayed serving outside of my home until a later time because my family has always been and still is my most important focus.

I am a member of the Republican Party because I believe that government overreach needs to be controlled. Regulations should only be used when they are a benefit to citizens. Making sure there is accountability attached to public dollars is critical in implementing programs that are useful and meaningful. I strongly support parental involvement in education, I know the 2nd Amendment is a right that is never to be infringed, and I am well versed in the agricultural needs of our community and state.

Here is my personal email address (jannvo@gmail.com) and my phone number (208-684-4052).

Here We Have Idaho is a local radio show heard on KSPD 790 AM and 94.5 FM at 4pm on Wednesdays and Fridays. Here We Have Idaho is a show focusing on celebrating Idaho and all that makes Idaho great. Hear We Have Idaho will focus on the issues and events that impact Idaho’s citizens and families. Each week we will visit those that are writing Idaho’s story and keeping the spirit of our state song alive with hosts Victor Miller and Tom Luna.

https://www.790kspd.com/here-we-have-idaho/