Idaho GOP Platform Responses

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Survey and Interview Responses

How long have you lived in Ada County?

10 years. I returned to Idaho after serving 9 years in national security.

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

51 years. No.

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

Idaho Majority Club. I have received the endorsement of IACI. I believe in supporting our businesses in Idaho. I will not agree with them on certain issues, but in general, I am enthusiastically in support of the businesses that fuel our state’s vitality.

Have you supported candidates from another party?

No. 100% GOP

Why are you running for this office?

1) Protecting the unborn. 2) Protecting the institution of marriage. 3) Promoting economic strength through making government smaller. 4) Supporting solid national security policies such as completion of the border wall and banning foreign enemies from owning American assets. 5) Energy Independence through minimizing bureaucratic red tape on innovative power initiatives. The death of Charlie Kirk was the precipitating event that led to me running.

Have you held elected office before?

No. I have helped good people get elected since 1986 when I walked my first precinct. I have taught campaign schools and helped many run for positions from school board to state legislatures. I have supervised lobbyists in both Congress and the Statehouses across the nation. We passed dozens of bills preventing Sharia Law from being recognized as constitutional law, as well as numerous related issues under the theme of fighting Islamism.

What makes you qualified for this role?

My ability to effectuate substantial results in the pursuits of my lifetime give me a substantial advantage over the competition. I care about people. I’m a hard worker. I deliver real results, not just statements, as evidenced by the 11,000 doors I have knocked and the 13,500 doors I will have knocked before the May Primary.

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

1) Voting NO on bad, redundant legislation. Over regulation is the scourge of capitalism. 2) I want all residents who pay for city services to have the right to vote in said city elections. 3) I want to ban abortifacients / chemical abortions and add this provision to Idaho’s Defense of Life ACT.

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

Idaho Chooses Life Board Member, 2016-current; Idaho Energy, Inc Board Member, 2023-current; Executive Director, ACT for America, 2008-2016; Chairman, Idaho Citizens Alliance, 1993-1996

Do you consider yourself fiscally conservative?

Yes. Balance the Budget. Limit spending. I’ve made payroll my entire career from a high of 75 employees in a five state regional general contracting firm. I voted for Trump all 3 times. His knowledge of economics and negotiating is legendary.

Do you consider yourself socially conservative?

Yes. I led Prop 1 in 1994 that would have prevented schools from telling students that homosexuality is healthy and normal. I played and integral role on the board of directors that led to the passage of Idaho’s Trigger Law and Defense of Life Act, saving an estimated 2,000 Idaho pre-born babies per year since August of 22.

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

I’m driven by two core principles: energy independence and protecting life. I support advancing nuclear energy through microreactors at INL, which could transform Idaho’s economy and energy future. I’m proudly pro-life and helped author the Idaho Defense of Life Act. My background includes national security work growing a national policy organization, along with business experience managing employees and real estate investments. I focus on turning strong ideas into practical outcomes that strengthen Idaho and protect our values.

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

I’m actively engaging voters, with nearly 13,000 doors knocked, to understand District 22’s concerns. One priority is ensuring residents who pay for city services have a vote in city elections. I also want to protect long-standing unincorporated areas from forced annexation. I’m working through the legal framework to advance these ideas. My approach is grounded in listening to constituents and developing practical solutions that improve representation and fairness.

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

My default position is to vote no on spending because I believe smaller government is better government. We need to reduce non-core spending and limit government growth wherever possible. One exception I support is Idaho Launch, because it helps retain young people and strengthens our workforce. Overall, I prioritize disciplined budgeting, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used only where they provide clear long-term value.

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

I’ve supported school choice for decades and believe parents should control their child’s education. Demand for tax credits exceeds supply, and the state should expand access so more families benefit. Private education often costs less than public education, saving taxpayer dollars while improving outcomes. Competition among schools raises overall quality. Education funding should follow the student, empowering families and strengthening the system.

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 undermine true homeownership, especially for seniors who risk losing their homes if they cannot pay. I support eliminating property taxes and replacing them with a modest sales tax increase. This would create a more stable and fair system while still funding essential services. We need a structure that allows people to truly own their homes without ongoing financial pressure from the state.

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

I support strong border security, including completing the border wall, but also recognize the workforce needs of Idaho agriculture. Many farms depend on immigrant labor, and Americans often do not take those jobs. I support guest worker programs and a legal pathway to citizenship for contributing workers. We need to secure the border while also supporting key industries that rely on a stable workforce.

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 should be reserved for those who truly need it. If someone is capable of working, they should not be subsidized. However, those who genuinely cannot work should receive support. This approach ensures responsible use of taxpayer dollars while maintaining compassion for vulnerable individuals.

What is your stance on the legalization of marijuana?

I am 100% opposed.

One only has to take in Colorado Democrat Governor Hickenlooper’s lament that they should have never agreed to the legalization of marijuana. Their state is a crime ridden mess and, as experienced elsewhere, marijuana has been the gateway drug that has led to heavier drugs such as heroin, cocaine and more.

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

I oppose multi-subject legislation. Bills should address one issue at a time to ensure transparency and accountability. Combining multiple issues allows bad policy to be hidden and makes it harder for legislators and the public to fully understand what is being passed. Focused, single-issue bills lead to better governance and clearer decision-making.

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

Idaho must prioritize energy independence by expanding electricity generation, including nuclear energy. Relying on other states creates vulnerabilities, as seen with pipeline disputes. We should be prepared to respond firmly in negotiations and ensure Idaho controls its own energy future. I also support increasing in-state refining capacity to strengthen both economic growth and energy security.