The People First
Vote Independent Candidate Liyah Babayan for Idaho State Representative, District 25!
Putting Idahoans’ livelihoods first is Liyah’s top priority, as she champions strong public schools, medical freedom, protecting Idaho’s water and lands, and a limited, sensible government that respects individual liberty and spends taxpayer dollars wisely.
Top Priorities
Accountable & Limited Government
“We the People,” not “We the Special Interests.” Government belongs to the people—not special interests, not the Party establishment, and not corporations. The proper role of government is to remain limited, sensible, transparent, and accountable to the people first. Free from conflicts of interest, nepotism, and kickbacks, our elected officials must expose dishonesty, waste, and laziness and prioritize the people in every decision. Career politicians too often serve big businesses and special-interest donors, which is why I am running as an Independent and refuse contributions from PACs or special interests. Election integrity begins with campaign integrity. My campaign is 100% people-funded to restore integrity and accountability. I bring representation grounded in the perspectives of our communities, gained from hearing directly from the people. I believe government should answer to the people, not political insiders or special interests, and work every day to serve all Idahoans.
Personal Liberty & Medical Access
A healthy Idaho begins with healthy families and individuals. I am the only candidate with decades of proven action empowering Idahoans to exercise their constitutional rights, including gathering signatures for citizen initiatives. Most recently, I led the effort to get Twin Falls District 25 certified to put Reproductive Freedom on the ballot this November, giving voters a voice on critical issues. As your Independent State Representative, I will bring an unbought, unbossed voice to the legislature fighting for policies that protect public health, safeguard individual liberty, and prioritize Idaho families over special interests and party politics. Our state faces two growing crises: the meth and opioid epidemic destroying lives across our communities, and a youth mental health crisis worsened by social media. We must hold pharmaceutical companies accountable, strengthen protections for minors, and ensure social media companies are held accountable for the impact their platforms can have on children.
Affordable Housing & Low Taxes
Twin Falls serves as a regional commercial hub for Southern Idaho, and this growth is placing increasing strain on local infrastructure, first responders, and essential services. Local taxpayers are carrying more of the burden from increased traffic, roadway usage, public safety demand, and peak daytime and weekend population surges. We need responsible, transparent government spending focused on reducing waste, while updating the state’s sales tax allocation formula using current data to better reflect regional demand. I propose the Twin Falls Regional Infrastructure Revenue Adjustment Act to ensure a fairer share of sales tax revenue generated by regional shoppers helps support the roads, infrastructure, public safety, and essential services that serve the entire region. This would help relieve pressure on local budgets while ensuring that the communities benefiting from Twin Falls’ regional economy also contribute to the infrastructure supporting it.
Resource Impact & Development
Our natural landscapes and resources are the lifeblood of the Magic Valley. From Shoshone Falls to the Snake River, water sustains our farms, wildlife, and communities, forming the backbone of southern Idaho’s economy. Rapid development and large projects threaten fragile topsoil, aquifers, and delicate ecosystems. I’ve built my small businesses on sustainability, consignment, recycling, and minimizing waste, proving that economic growth and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. I am the only candidate with hands-on experience protecting Idaho’s lands, serving seven years on Twin Falls Parks & Rec and speaking out against projects like the Lava Ridge wind turbines, which would have harmed our landscapes and water. This experience guides my commitment to future-proof decisions that protect water, soil, and diverse lands, ensuring that Idaho’s farms, wildlife, and communities thrive for generations while growing our economy, supporting small businesses, and preserving the outdoor way of life we cherish.
Champion Public Education
Education is Idaho’s #1 priority and it deserves leadership that truly understands how it works. As the only independent candidate with real experience serving on the Twin Falls School Board, I’ve overseen operational budgets, implemented state and federal programs, and seen firsthand how funding decisions impact our classrooms. For too long, the state has underfunded our schools and shifted the burden onto local property taxpayers through levies. I will fight to increase state support for public education, raise teacher pay, invest in safe and modern school buildings especially in rural communities and protect local control of curriculum. I support and value teachers as essential defenders of a free society, nurturing the minds of the next generation of citizens. Our students must be prepared not just for work, but to compete and succeed in a global talent market. That means a strong academic foundation, real career pathways, and the skills to innovate, adapt, and lead.
Supporting Small Business
Small businesses are the backbone of Idaho’s economy and the heart of our local culture and traditions. For over 20 years, I’ve built three businesses from the ground up in Downtown Twin Falls and served on the Downtown Redesign Committee to rejuvenate the local Main Avenue economy. I understand what it’s like for Mom-and-Pop shops, relying on global supply chains while producing local products, with years of sacrifice, dedication, and showing up for our community just like many small business owners in Twin Falls. I also recognize the essential role of local farms and farmers, who sustain our food supply, steward our land, and strengthen Idaho’s rural economy. I understand how the interconnected costs of goods, broadband access, and economic instability can disrupt the lifelines of small businesses and everyday commerce. Small business owners deserve a seat at the policy table to secure economic prosperity for their families and the communities they serve. I will fight to reduce bureaucracy, cut red tape, and ensure Idaho’s small businesses and family farms have the tools they need to thrive.
Ways to Support Liyah
Contributions can also be made online, in person or by mailing a check to Liyah Babayan at P.O. Box 5762, Twin Falls, ID 83301 or via direct deposit to the “The People’s Campaign” at any D.L. Evans branches. Thank you for your grassroots support.
How to Support
Support the campaign in the way that’s easiest for you.
You can send a contribution via Venmo (@babayanL)
Mail a check to:
P.O. Box 5762
Twin Falls, ID 8330
Give in person at any D.L. Evans branch under “The People’s Campaign.”
Or you can use the link below to make an online donation.
Qualifications
- Holds two Bachelor’s in International Studies and Political Science
- 2010-2018 Appointed by Mayor Hall to T.F. Park & Rec Committee.
- 2014-2017 Served on Twin Falls School Board of Trustees.
- 2017 Presented with the "Service to Education" award by the T.F. School District.
- 2018 Recipient of the Idaho's Hometown Hero Award by Governor Otter.
- 2018 Recipient of the Idaho Civil Rights Service Award.
- 2020 Idaho's Women of the Year Honoree by Idaho Business Review.
- 2021 Recipient of the "Extra Mile" Award by Governor Brad Little
- 2022 Served on the National Women’s Business Council. (A federal advisory to the U.S. President, Congress and the Small Business Administration on issues related to Idaho’s business enterprise.)
- 2026 Awarded Idaho's Business Leader of the Year
- Small buisness owner for 19 years, business coach and women in business advocate.
- Author of “Liminal, a refugee memoir,” Community advocate and National speaker.
- Survived genocide, war, and homelessness, that shaped resilience and a commitment to community.
- First-generation entrepreneur and founder of four small businesses in Twin Falls, including Ooh La La Boutique.
Service Above Self
Liyah Babayan’s professional background in political and military science, combined with 19 years of experience as a small business owner navigating the peak of the economic recession, has shaped her resourcefulness, community focus, and smart budgeting skills. She knows firsthand that small businesses are the backbone of Idaho’s economy, and she understands how excessive bureaucracy, red tape, and overreaching regulations can stifle local businesses. As an Independent Candidate, Liyah pledges to be a transparent, accountable, and independent voice in policymaking putting the people first, not partisan politics, nepotism, or special interest influence.
Paid for by Liyah Babayan The People First | Campaign Treasurer Sergio Larios