Pocatello city councilor headed to Boise to fill in for state senator

POCATELLO — A city councilor for the Gate City is going to Boise to fill in for a state senator.

Pocatello City Councilman Hayden Paulsen will be sworn in and serve as a temporary state senator on April 10. Sen. James Ruchti of Legislative District 29, a practicing lawyer, will be at trial that day so Paulsen will serve in his place as the legislative session nears its end.

Paulsen is excited for the opportunity to learn more about the legislative process and bring that knowledge back to Pocatello.

“The legislature is a whole different game with the committees and the voting process, and that’s personally what I would really like to have a better grasp on,” Paulsen said.

Paulsen and Ruchti first met in 2022 when the then 27-year-old volunteered with the Bannock County Democrats and went door knocking with the lawyer.

“We were out there going door-to-door together, then just over the last two years we’ve worked together, he’s helped me, I’ve helped him and I think we have a mutual trust for each other,” Paulsen said.

While the legislative session is expected to adjourn in the next few days, it’s possible that the legislature could call for a vote to overrule a veto if Gov. Brad Little vetoes any of the bills on his desk.

With most of Pocatello being in Legislative District 29, Paulsen said he brings knowledge of his constituents to Boise.

“We’re both elected by people in Pocatello to represent their needs and concerns and one thing I’ve learned over the last three or so months on city council is listening to everyone but then also trying to make the best decision for everyone,” Paulsen said.

While Paulsen would like to run for the legislature at some point in the future, he’s focused on his seat in the city council and fulfilling that role. He also spoke to the respect he has for Ruchti and Nate Roberts, state representative for District 29.

“They really do appreciate feedback and I think there is a mutual conversation between Pocatello City Council and them,” Paulsen said.