Todd Christensen
Born and raised in southern Idaho, I moved sprinkler lines, milked cows, and worked in the family machine shop. After high school, I served a two-year mission in Argentina sharing my faith. I graduated from Boise State University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Finance.
Throughout my career, I’ve helped organizations grow and strengthen financial performance. As Chief Marketing Officer at CapEd Credit Union for over a decade, I helped grow assets from $500 million to over $1.5 billion while more than doubling the customer base. I also served as President and CEO of business and economic development organizations, supporting job creation and responsible growth across Idaho.
I bring a private-sector mindset of integrity, leadership, collaboration, and accountability—the experience and work ethic Ada County taxpayers deserve. My wife Pamela and I have four grown children and six grandchildren, all living in Idaho.
Idaho GOP Platform Responses
✓+ Strongly Agree ✓ Somewhat Agree O Somewhat Disagree X Strongly Disagree
| Topic | Candidate’s Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | Responsibility in Government | N/A |
| N/A | Citizen Involvement | N/A |
| N/A | Education | N/A |
| N/A | Agriculture | N/A |
| N/A | Water | N/A |
| N/A | Natural Resources / Environment | N/A |
| N/A | Energy | N/A |
| N/A | Idaho National Lab | N/A |
| N/A | Private Property Rights | N/A |
| N/A | State / Federal Lands | N/A |
| N/A | Wildlife | N/A |
| N/A | Economy | N/A |
| N/A | Health and Welfare | N/A |
| N/A | American Family | N/A |
| N/A | Older Americans | N/A |
| N/A | Law & Order w/ Justice | N/A |
| N/A | Securing the Border | N/A |
| N/A | Election of Idaho Judges | N/A |
| N/A | Religious Liberty | N/A |
Survey and Interview Responses
How long have you lived in Ada County?
I’ve lived in Ada County for 12 years, and we also lived here from 1993 to 1998. We moved back from Coeur d’Alene.
How long have you been a Republican? Any prior party affiliation?
I’ve been a Republican since I was eighteen and have never registered with another party.
Have you been involved with any political organizations? (IACI, Idaho Majority Club, IFF, etc.)
I am deeply involved with the We The People 4th of July Celebration Committee, having served as President, Vice President, and currently as Treasurer. I led the effort to reconstitute the group and successfully brought back the Capital City’s patriotic Independence Day parade and celebration. I have worked closely with Idaho Republican Party Chair Dorothy Moon to secure support and funding for the annual event and regularly attend Idaho Majority Club activities.
Have you supported candidates from another party?
No.
Why are you running for this office?
I am seeking the office of Ada County Treasurer to serve as a responsible steward of the county’s rapid growth and taxpayer dollars. Taxpayers deserve leadership that protects every dollar, demands transparency and accountability, applies private-sector discipline, eliminates waste, and plans responsibly for the future.
With proven financial and business experience, I will manage and safeguard public funds, collect property taxes, ensure sound cash flow, and fulfill the critical fiduciary duties of the Treasurer with integrity and sound judgment.
Have you held elected office before?
I have never held elected office, however throughout my career I have worked closely
with local, state and federal elected officials. My private-sector experience will greatly
benefit Ada County as Treasurer and a member of the leadership, elect officials team.
What makes you qualified for this role?
I have 26+ years of experience in finance, economic and community development. The
Ada County Treasurer position is not just ceremonial; it requires professional
competency and experience. I have proven conservative leadership that will greatly
benefit Ada County as the area continues to experience rapid growth.
If elected, what 2-3 actions do you intend to pursue in your first year?
I will focus on fiscal stewardship, transparency, and accountability. Those values will guide how I work with elected officials, staff, and the public.
How have you served your community (boards, nonprofits, etc.)?
I bring extensive board and commission experience to Ada County. I currently serve as Treasurer and Director of the We The People 4th of July Celebration Committee. I recently received a gubernatorial appointment and Senate confirmation to the Idaho Building Authority. I also serve as a Director on the College of Western Idaho Foundation and as a member of its Presidential Capital Campaign Cabinet. Previously, I served on the Meridian Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee, United Way, and the Idaho CapEd Foundation. This experience will greatly benefit Ada County.
Do you consider yourself fiscally conservative?
Yes, I am a fiscal conservative. I strongly believe in and adhere to the Republican Party platform on financial conservativeness.
Do you consider yourself socially conservative?
Yes, I am a social conservative. I strongly believe in and adhere to the platform on social conservativeness. I believe in and advance the values that make the United States and exceptional nation, and those that make Idaho the Great State of Idaho!
platform on social conservativeness. I believe in and advance the values that make the
Give us your one-minute elevator speech for the campaign.
Ada County is growing rapidly, bringing both opportunities and challenges. The Treasurer serves as the fiduciary “banker” for the county—managing and protecting public funds with experience and skill sets you can trust. I will collaborate with other elected officials and staff while ensuring transparency so the public clearly understands the Treasurer’s Office. I’m seeking this role to help keep Ada County strong, continue its success, and maintain our conservative values.
What is your plan to advocate for your top priorities?
Unlike legislators or commissioners, the Treasurer’s role is clearly defined by state and county code. My priorities center on transparency, responsiveness, and accountability as the county’s fiduciary. I will focus on serving both elected officials and citizens responsibly within the legal framework of the office.
What oversight exists or should exist for collections and disbursements?
Oversight for collections rests with the Treasurer’s Office, ensuring the mill levy and data from the Assessor’s Office are handled accurately through strong systems, processes, and internal controls. Disbursements involve close partnership between the Treasurer’s and Clerk’s Offices to manage funds properly.
How will you communicate clearly about tax usage?
Communication should create alignment and understanding—even if not full agreement—about how county commissioners and departments set budgets. From the Treasurer’s perspective, I will help simplify and make the process understandable to the public, despite the complexity of managing Idaho’s largest county by population and dollars. I’ll work with officials to share clear, accessible information so citizens can hold us accountable.
What internal controls exist or should exist to prevent misuse of funds?
Strong internal controls come from general accounting practices, county code, and state code, which the Treasurer must follow to the letter of the law. Past issues have shown what happens when those aren’t followed. As Treasurer, I will identify any gaps and advocate for improvements—whether through administrative actions or state legislative changes—to strengthen protections.
Are there any changes you would like to see made to Idaho Code in relation to allowed investments?
I see no need for changes. County investments should stay in safe, fixed assets. We should not gamble with public “sacred funds” provided by citizens just to chase higher returns. These funds must be held in trust and confidence without jeopardizing them.
What is your position on placing county funds with financial institutions that prioritize ESG goals?
ESG is bad for finance. My experience in banking and as Chief Marketing Officer at CapEd Credit Union showed me that mandating investments based on esoteric ESG goals undermines fair market practices and free-market principles. We must also guard against investments supporting foreign actors that should not influence the United States.
What question should voters be asking but aren’t?
The most common question I hear is simply, “What does the Treasurer do?” Many don’t realize this senior elected role carries real fiduciary responsibility: properly collecting and distributing public funds (in partnership with the Clerk), investing them safely as the county’s chief investment officer, and serving as probate officer—administering estates of decedents without next of kin (about 10–15 cases per month). Voters should understand why this position matters and demands proven experience.

