Nampa City Council Seeks New Mayor After Hogaboam's Death

Council president David Bills given authority for city operations until mayoral appointment

Mar. 26, 2026 at 12:51am

After the unexpected death of Nampa Mayor Rick Hogaboam on March 18, the Nampa City Council is taking steps to fill the role of the city's leader. The council is tasked with appointing a new mayor under Idaho Code § 50-608, with the appointee holding the title until the next general city election. Council president David Bills has been given authority for the city's day-to-day operations until a new mayor is appointed, which the council aims to do next month.

Why it matters

The death of Mayor Hogaboam, who was elected just four months ago, has left a leadership void in Nampa. The city council must now carefully consider candidates to ensure continued stable and effective leadership for the community.

The details

On March 23, the City of Nampa stated that the council is now tasked with filling the position of mayor from within or outside of its ranks, according to Idaho Code § 50-608. Hogaboam, 47, was elected in November 2025 and took office in January, but died of cardiac tamponade on March 18 at a regional town hall. On March 18, the Nampa City Council held an emergency meeting and voted to pass a resolution giving council president David Bills the authority to ensure 'the city's day-to-day operations continue until an appointment can be made to fill the Office of Mayor'.

  • Mayor Rick Hogaboam died on March 18, 2026.
  • On March 23, 2026, the City of Nampa announced the council would appoint a new mayor.
  • On March 18, 2026, the Nampa City Council passed a resolution giving council president David Bills authority over city operations until a new mayor is appointed.

The players

Rick Hogaboam

The late mayor of Nampa, Idaho, who was elected in November 2025 and took office in January 2026 before passing away on March 18, 2026 at the age of 47.

David Bills

The Nampa City Council president, who was given authority over the city's day-to-day operations until a new mayor is appointed.

Nampa City Council

The governing body of Nampa, Idaho, which is tasked with appointing a new mayor to fill the vacancy left by Rick Hogaboam's death.

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What they’re saying

“The business of the city continues to function thanks to many qualified and competent staff. We remain deeply committed to honoring Rick's legacy and supporting the Hogaboam family at his memorial service next week. As the Nampa City Council seriously and prayerfully considers the appointment of mayor, we will be diligent in weighing the character and competency needed for this significant position and alignment with the community's values. We are aiming for an appointment next month to ensure continued stable and effective leadership.”

— David Bills, Nampa City Council President

What’s next

The Nampa City Council aims to appoint a new mayor next month to ensure continued stable and effective leadership for the city.

The takeaway

The unexpected death of Mayor Rick Hogaboam has left a leadership void in Nampa, and the city council must now carefully consider candidates to fill the role and honor Hogaboam's legacy. This process highlights the importance of stable and effective municipal governance, especially during times of unexpected transition.