Senator Melissa Wintrow

Melissa Wintrow is an American politician who is currently serving as a member of the Idaho Senate from the 19th district. She was elected in November 2020 and assumed office on December 1, 2020. Prior to her tenure in the Senate, Wintrow was a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2014 to 2020. She is a member of the Democratic Party.

Wintrow was born in Troy, Ohio. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Miami University in 1988. She then went on to earn a Master of Education in higher education from the University of Georgia in 1990.

Before her political career, Wintrow dedicated 30 years to higher education, providing leadership to students, faculty, and staff. She held formal leadership positions as a women’s center director, Faculty-in-Residence program director, program manager for NEW Leadership (a national women’s leadership institute), and instructor of gender studies. She is also the co-owner of SAGA Leadership Associates, a firm specializing in diversity and inclusion, women’s leadership, and team collaboration.

In her political career, Wintrow has made significant contributions to the state of Idaho. She assumed the role of Minority Leader of the Idaho Senate in December 2022. Her dedication to public service and commitment to her constituents have made her a respected figure in Idaho politics.