Nye began practicing law in Pocatello in 1974. He was the past president of the Idaho State Bar and served on the American Bar Association Board of Governors.
Idaho House of Representatives
In 2014, incumbent Idaho Representative Carolyn Meline announced she would not seek reelection. Nye subsequently announced his candidacy for the Idaho House of Representatives.[5] He was unopposed in the Democratic primary and defeated Republican Matthew Bloxham and Libertarian Matthew Larsen, both of Pocatello, in the general election.
Committee assignments
From 2014 to 2016, he served on the Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee, Local Government Committee, and Revenue and Taxation Committee.
Idaho Senate
In 2016, incumbent Idaho Senator Roy Lacey announced he would not seek reelection. Nye subsequently announced his candidacy for Idaho Senate.[6] Nye was unopposed in the Democratic primary and defeated Republican Tom Katsilometes and Libertarian Sierra "Idaho Lorax" Carta in the general election.
Idaho law allows any voter to challenge the election of a legislator, and the respective legislative body has full discretion to judge the election and qualifications of members in deciding whether to seat them. Nye's Republican opponent Katsilometes challenged Nye's election on the grounds that Nye had allegedly violated campaign finance laws and vote counting irregularities. The Idaho Senate dismissed the challenge unanimously and seated Nye. It was the first time an election had been challenged since 1981.[7]
