Downtown business developer and former ER doctor Tommy Ahlquist announced Wednesday he’s running for governor of Idaho.
He made the announcement in Boise, before traveling to meet with community members in Idaho Falls, Kimberly and Coeur d’Alene.
“I’m running for governor because I believe in Idahoans, and I believe with fresh ideas and new leadership we can build an even better Idaho,” said Ahlquist. “My career in business and medicine has taught me valuable lessons about the role of government, the failures of overregulation and an appreciation for hard-working Idahoans.”
“Like all Idahoans, I have that same can-do spirit of actions, not words. That is why I am running for Governor with a conservative blueprint for building an even better Idaho,” he said.
Through his company, Ahlquist said he has invested $331 million in Idaho and created thousands of jobs by developing more than 2 million square feet of retail, office, residential and medical space. As a doctor, he said he cared for more than 40,000 patients all over Idaho. Ahlquist also has started several successful small businesses, including a national med-tech company.
Currently, Ahlquist serves on the Boise Chamber Board of Directors, United Way Treasure Valley Board, Treasure Valley Leadership Alliance, Idaho 2020 Board of Directors and is the President of the FACES of HOPE Victim’s Center Foundation Board of Directors.
Ahlquist is married to his high school sweetheart, Shanna. They are the parents of four children.
