Idaho GOP Platform Responses

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Survey and Interview Responses

How long have you lived in Ada County?

32 Years; I moved from Minneapolis MN

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

My whole life. I have never been affiliated with another party. I was even a delegate to the ND State Republican convention in 1988.

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

I have attended numerous events sponsored by organizations such as the Idaho family Policy Center, IFF, Conservatives of. I have been very involved with the County and State Republican Party organizations.

Have you supported candidates from another party?

No

Why are you running for this office?

During my first term, I brought a unique, thoughtful, and conservative perspective to the Legislature along with a willingness to engage respectfully with people who hold differing views. I believe that approach has real value in the legislative process. If given the opportunity, I would be honored to return and continue contributing in that way.

Have you held elected office before?

Yes, Old district 21 Representative in ’21, ’22

What makes you qualified for this role?

My candidacy is grounded in broad, real-world experience and a proven willingness to put it into practice. I bring 11 years of military service and 33 years in healthcare, including delivery, business, and financing. I also have experience in real estate and service on multiple boards and commissions. For roughly 15 years, I’ve actively supported the Republican Party through elected roles and volunteering at fundraisers, voter drives, fairs, parades, and conventions across Idaho.

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

Healthcare and education freedom/ choice. Border and election security from the State perspective.

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

I served as President of the 380-home Charleston Place Homeowners Association for three years. I have also served two separate terms as a Board Member of the Idaho Association of Chiropractic Physicians. Two years ago, I was unanimously nominated and then confirmed by the commissioners of four counties to serve on the Central District Health Board, where I spent the past year as Chairman.

Do you consider yourself fiscally conservative?

Very much so. Government generally spends way too much of the people’s money.

Do you consider yourself socially conservative?

Yes, I support traditional biblical values.

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

I bring a unique healthcare background and broad professional experience to this role. I previously served in the Idaho House and am ready to return with that experience. My work in healthcare policy and leadership has given me insight into one of the state’s largest and most complex budget areas. I’m prepared to apply that knowledge to improve policy outcomes and ensure responsible governance while advancing conservative principles.

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

My priorities align with what Idahoans care about: school choice, border security, and healthcare freedom. I support expanding education options, strengthening E-Verify, and improving accountability in immigration enforcement. In healthcare, I focus on better management of spending and promoting healthier lifestyles to reduce long-term costs. I believe policy should be guided by sound science, not corporate or political pressure, and I will work to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively.

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

I support limiting government spending to core functions and reducing non-essential programs. Too often, increased spending leads to inefficiency without better outcomes. I would cut or sunset programs that don’t demonstrate value, including certain cultural, housing, and childcare subsidies. With new programs like Idaho Launch, I would ensure they are delivering the expected results and that taxpayer dollars are used transparently and responsibly. My approach is to reduce overall spending, encourage private-sector solutions, and ensure government remains limited and effective.

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

I believe education funding should be centered on students and families. Parents play a critical role in deciding what learning environment is best for their children, whether that’s public, charter, private, or homeschool. Strong public schools remain an important foundation in our communities, and they should continue to be supported. At the same time, expanding thoughtful options can help ensure that every student has access to an education that fits their needs. When families have meaningful choices, students are better positioned to succeed.

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?

I believe the free market is the best way to address housing affordability. Government should reduce regulations, permitting costs, and delays rather than subsidizing housing. I support eliminating property taxes and replacing them with a consumption-based tax, without increasing the overall tax burden. This would allow taxpayers more control and fairness, especially during financial hardship, while ensuring necessary revenue is still generated.

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

I support enforcing federal immigration laws and increasing accountability through tools like E-Verify. Employers should ensure their workforce is legal, and we need stronger enforcement mechanisms to support that. Immigration policy must prioritize lawful processes and maintain the integrity of our workforce while reducing incentives for illegal employment.

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

Medicaid expansion has significantly increased costs without improving outcomes. I oppose its growth and support reforms that emphasize accountability, including work or volunteer requirements where appropriate. We should focus on improving overall population health to reduce demand for services, rather than increasing spending. Encouraging personal responsibility and healthier lifestyles will lower long-term costs and reduce the burden on taxpayers.

What is your stance on the legalization of marijuana?

I oppose the legalization of marijuana, including the two current citizen-led initiatives. I support House Joint Resolution 4 (HJR 4), a constitutional amendment that would prevent the legalization of marijuana through the voter initiative process.

In my office, I have used a poster of Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain images as a patient education tool for many years. This poster demonstrates the impairment of brain function and damage associated with substances such as marijuana, cocaine, and inhalants. My career of more than 30 years has been dedicated to promoting health.

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

I oppose multi-subject legislation and have voted against bills for that reason, even when I supported parts of them. Combining unrelated issues violates the Idaho Constitution and reduces transparency. Each bill should address a single issue so legislators and the public can clearly understand what is being passed. This approach ensures accountability and better policymaking.

In light of Utah’s recent effort to tax the gas pipeline, do you have any thoughts about energy independence for Idaho?

I support retention, if not expansion, of Idaho’s hydroelectric system. I would take advantage of the good work at INL, for instance, and explore new technologies in safe nuclear energy.