Meet
Linda Wright Hartgen
Linda Wright Hartgen brings a wealth of experience and dedicated service to her current role as a distinguished representative in the Idaho State Senate for District 25. Since 2022, Linda has played a pivotal role, serving as Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Affairs Committee, while also contributing her expertise to the Judiciary and Rules Committee, as well as the Commerce and Human Resources Committee. Prior to her current position, Linda served as an Idaho State Representative for District 24B from 2019 to 2022. In this capacity, she made significant contributions to committees such as Revenue/Taxation, Judiciary and Rules Administration (serving as vice-chair), and Environment, Energy, and Technology.
Linda's extensive career also includes a noteworthy tenure as the Trial Court Administrator for the Idaho Supreme Court from 1992 to 2015. In this role, she effectively managed all aspects of the courts, including budgeting, training, case assignment, and program development. Her leadership extended to coordinating the District Magistrate Commission, developing Problem-Solving Courts, and acting as a liaison with the media, county commissioners, and various agencies concerning the court.
With a strong background in agriculture, Linda co-owned and operated a 1200-acre farm from 1965 to 1990. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident through her fellowship at the Institute of Court Management from 1992 to 1996 and her pursuit of a BS in Business Management from Lewis Clark State College, completed between 1988 and 1990.
Linda's numerous awards, including the prestigious Douglas D. Kramer Award for Excellence in Judicial Administration from the Idaho Supreme Court in 2014, showcase her exceptional contributions. Recognized as the Law Enforcement Outstanding Legislator by the Magic Valley LEO in 2019, Linda has continued to receive accolades, including the IACI Legislator Award in 2022 and 2023, the Friend of Wheat Growers recognition in 2023, and the Northwest Agriculture Cooperative Council Award for Outstanding Leadership in 2024.
Beyond her legislative and administrative roles, Linda has displayed exemplary leadership in various organizations, such as the College of Southern Idaho Foundation Board and the Twin Falls Kiwanis Club, where she served as president. A charter member of the CARES Board (Children at Risk Evaluation Services) and a founding member of BILLS Place (Building Life-long Skills) for women transitioning from prison or probation, Linda's commitment to community service is unparalleled.
Widowed with a blended family of five, Linda is a proud grandmother to six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her principled stance is further exemplified through her advocacy for crucial issues, standing firmly for protecting the unborn, traditional family values, limited government, fiscal conservatism, defending Second Amendment rights, lower taxes, and creating an environment for business to thrive. Linda Wright Hartgen's leadership and dedication continue to shape a prosperous future for Idaho and its citizens.
Early Life
Linda Wright Hartgen's journey began against the scenic backdrop of Idaho's Twin Falls area in the early 1970s. Raised in a farming community by her parents Fred and Flossie Gardner, Linda embraced the values instilled by her close-knit family and farm background. In those formative years, she became a dedicated farm wife, and mother, while raising her three children, Todd, Tara, and Trent. She was actively involved in cultivating 1200 acres of land, farming sugar beets, hay, beans, corn, and wheat, alongside raising feeder steers.
With the challenges posed by an agricultural recession, Linda adapted by returning to college and earning a bachelor's degree in business management. This resilient period laid the foundation for Linda's leadership roles, shaping her commitment to community, family, and the values she holds dear.
Mid Life
Following the pursuit of higher education, Linda embarked on a remarkable career path, beginning as a jury clerk for Twin Falls County. Her dedication and adaptability led to her appointment as Jury Commissioner, responsible for drawing, summoning, and assembling panels of juries for the court system. Linda's commitment to public service was further demonstrated when she successfully ran for the position of Clerk of the District Court, taking office in 1991. In 1992, Linda married Stephen Hartgen, the then-publisher of a local paper, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Throughout her career, Linda served as the Trial Court Administrator for the Fifth Judicial District for an impressive 23 years, working with judges, clerks, media, and budgets, and garnering the state judiciary's top public service Kramer award in 2015. Amidst her professional accomplishments, Linda's commitment to community service remained unwavering, reflected in her roles on the College of Southern Idaho's Foundation Board, where she served as Chairwoman for a year, and her tenure as the moderator of her church for eight years.
Early Life
Linda Wright Hartgen's journey began against the scenic backdrop of Idaho's Twin Falls area in the early 1970s. Raised in a farming community by her parents Fred and Flossie Gardner, Linda embraced the values instilled by her close-knit family and farm background. In those formative years, she became a dedicated farm wife, and mother, while raising her three children, Todd, Tara, and Trent. She was actively involved in cultivating 1200 acres of land, farming sugar beets, hay, beans, corn, and wheat, alongside raising feeder steers.
With the challenges posed by an agricultural recession, Linda adapted by returning to college and earning a bachelor's degree in business management. This resilient period laid the foundation for Linda's leadership roles, shaping her commitment to community, family, and the values she holds dear.
Life in the Senate
Linda's journey continued in 2015 when she retired from the Courts, allowing her to explore new opportunities. In 2016, she substituted for her husband in the House for six weeks, discovering a passion for legislative work. Inspired, she ran for and won a seat in the House in 2019, serving two terms. With a desire to further contribute to her community, Linda made the decision to run for the Senate, entering in 2023.
In the Senate, Linda's agricultural background propelled her to the position of Chairwoman of the Agriculture Affairs Committee, demonstrating her commitment to issues close to her heart. Serving on key committees such as Judiciary and Rules, and Commerce and Human Resources, Linda has been a proactive force in shaping legislation. Awards, such as the IACI Award in 2023 and recognition from The Northwest Agriculture Cooperative Council and the Idaho Wheat Commission, highlight her outstanding leadership and dedication to cooperative initiatives.
Linda wants her constituents to know that she represents all of them, emphasizing parental rights, listening without agenda, and working collaboratively to create effective policies. As a recipient of numerous awards, including the Ag All Star from 2020-2023 and the Idaho Business Review Woman of the Year award in 2022, Linda's commitment to public service is unmatched. Her values, deeply rooted in conservatism, are reflected in her unwavering support for protecting the unborn, traditional family values, limited government, fiscal conservatism, defending Second Amendment rights, lower taxes, and creating a thriving business environment. Linda Wright Hartgen stands as a beacon of leadership and representation for Idaho's District 25.
