Idaho GOP Platform Responses

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Survey and Interview Responses

How long have you lived in Ada County?

I have called the Treasure Valley home for 25 years. I grew up here, and after finishing college and graduating from law school, I returned with my wife. I came back again after completing a federal clerkship in Pennsylvania and serving several years as a prosecutor in Bonneville County.

How long have you been a Republican? Any prior party affiliation?

I am a lifelong Republican.

Have you been involved with any political organizations? (IACI, Idaho Majority Club, IFF, etc.)

I am a member of the Idaho Majority Club and I’ve attended meetings of Conservatives of Ada County with my neighbors.

Have you supported candidates from another party?

No.

Why are you running for this office?

I’m motivated by the opportunity to serve my neighbors and my state.

Have you held elected office before?

I served as a PC in both Ada and Bonneville Counties, and as the chair of LD15.

What makes you qualified for this role?

I have deep experience in how the law impacts daily life. I’ve drafted legislation, guided it through the House and Senate, and implemented it. I also led a major review of licensing rules, cutting regulations in half, lowering fees, and removing barriers to healthcare innovation while protecting professional standards and public safety. I am dedicated to service and committed to integrity — I will always be honest with the people I serve.

If elected, what 2-3 actions do you intend to pursue in your first year?

My top priorities are:

1. Expand Idaho’s energy economy by reviewing, reducing, and eliminating excessive regulations that burden energy production without essential public safety benefits.
2. Improve Idaho’s water infrastructure by partnering with federal agencies to remove barriers to new dams, water capture, and increased storage capacity.
3. Promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism through stronger sentences for repeat offenders and meaningful education and second-chance opportunities for nonviolent offenders.

How have you served your community (boards, nonprofits, etc.)?

As general counsel for Idaho’s 19 health professional boards — including Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Dentistry — I protected licensees’ First Amendment rights, reduced regulatory burdens, and focused rules on patient care. I continue to serve on the Board of Directors for CASA of Southwest Idaho, giving foster children a voice and an advocate, and as a board member of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society, championing religious freedom.

Do you consider yourself fiscally conservative?

Yes. I know that government debt destroys wealth, free markets drive prosperity, and lower taxes promote investment and sustained economic growth. I strongly believe in balanced budgets and am committed to improving efficiency and accountability in government programs and spending.

Do you consider yourself socially conservative?

Yes. Strongly so. I have a strong record of public advocacy for religious liberty, free speech, Second Amendment rights, the rights of the unborn, and parental rights in the care and upbringing of their children. I am also deeply committed to protecting the rights of children. I uphold the rule of law and fully support our law enforcement officers and military families.

Give us your one-minute elevator speech for the campaign.

My name is Russ Spencer, and I’m running for State Senate in Legislative District 20. I bring the skill, intellect, and integrity needed to serve effectively in this role. I’m focused on addressing the real challenges Idaho faces and would appreciate your vote in the May primary.

What are your top three priorities, and what would you act on first?

My focus is long-term economic growth and affordability. That means working with other legislators to grow incomes, not just cut prices. Idaho’s future depends heavily on energy, and we must pivot toward scalable solutions like nuclear energy. We were once an energy exporter, and now we risk becoming dependent. If we get this right, Idaho can experience significant economic growth. I will work collaboratively to advance policies that strengthen our economy over the long term.

The party calls for reducing non-core state spending. Which programs would you cut or sunset, and what principles guide your budget decisions?

We have too many overlapping government programs addressing the same problems, and we need to consolidate them for efficiency. I support returning to zero-based budgeting so every dollar must be justified, rather than simply building off prior budgets. Financial audits are essential. Cost-cutting alone isn’t always the right answer—some services, like in-home healthcare, can actually save money compared to more expensive alternatives like hospitals.

Do you support education dollars following students to the school their parents choose, including private schools? Why or why not?

I do not oppose allowing education dollars to follow the student. Parents have both the right and responsibility to direct their children’s education, and funding should reflect that. The legislature’s duty is to ensure education is provided, but not necessarily dictate how it is delivered. Allowing funds to follow students supports parental choice while still fulfilling the state’s obligation.

Housing costs and property taxes are major concerns. What specific state actions would you support, and what tradeoffs are you willing—or not willing—to make?

Property taxes need long-term reform, but we can provide immediate relief by increasing the homeowner’s exemption. Right now, it’s outdated and does not reflect current home values. This would especially help seniors being taxed out of their homes. This approach shifts more tax burden toward non-owner-occupied properties, which I believe is appropriate. Long term, we also need to rethink how education facilities are funded, potentially moving costs back to the state level for efficiency.

What is your position on holding employers accountable for knowingly hiring undocumented workers in Idaho?

We should follow federal immigration law and ensure it is properly enforced.

What is your stance on the legalization of marijuana?

I strongly oppose the legalization of marijuana.

Medicaid costs are rising, and access remains a concern. What long-term reforms would you support to control costs, improve access, and protect taxpayers?

Idaho has a serious provider shortage, especially in specialty care. We need to increase medical residencies in Idaho so more physicians stay here. Expanding the scope of practice for physician assistants and improving access to telehealth can help, especially in rural areas. Reducing unnecessary referral requirements—like allowing direct access to physical therapy—can lower costs and improve access. These reforms can increase efficiency without significantly increasing state spending.

Would you oppose multi-subject bills—even if you support part of them? Why or why not?

I strongly oppose multi-subject legislation. It lacks transparency and undermines trust. The legislature is already required to pass single-subject bills, and that standard should be upheld. If there were any attempt to weaken that requirement, I would strongly oppose it.