Idaho GOP Platform Responses

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Survey and Interview Responses

How long have you lived in Idaho?

I am a proud fourth-generation Idahoan. My Gem State heritage stretches back to the 1870s, when my great-grandfather homesteaded in the Oakley Basin and began our family’s ranching tradition. I was born in Twin Falls and raised in Oakley, where my wife, Sarah, and I raised our four children on our family ranch.

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

I am a lifelong Republican and have never been registered with another party.

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

Yes. I have spoken at IACI meetings, spoken to the Idaho Majority Club, and tried to make myself available to local Republican groups and organizations that invite me to their meetings and events.

Have you supported candidates from another party?

I have never supported any candidate other than a Republican in a partisan race.

Why are you running for this office?

I’m running for re-election as Lieutenant Governor to protect what makes Idaho strong and ensure it remains that way for future generations. As a lifelong Idahoan, rancher, and former Speaker of the House, I’ve helped shape common sense conservative policies that keep Idaho prosperous and well-run. I want to continue keeping taxes low, reducing regulation, investing wisely in roads, water infrastructure, and education, and preserving opportunity for my children, grandchildren, and all Idahoans.

Have you held elected office before?

Yes. I served on the Oakley City Council before being elected in 2000 to represent House District 27. I served 11 terms representing Cassia and Minidoka Counties, including work on JFAC, Revenue and Taxation, Resources and Conservation, and Transportation and Defense. I also chaired the Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee. In 2012, my conservative peers elected me Speaker of the House, and in 2022, I was elected Lieutenant Governor.

What makes you qualified for this role?

I bring a proven record of conservative leadership, real-world experience, and a deep understanding of Idaho’s needs. As a lifelong rancher, small business owner, former Speaker, and Lieutenant Governor, I understand the challenges Idaho families, farmers, and employers face. I have balanced budgets, delivered tax relief, reduced regulation, advanced Idaho priorities, negotiated difficult water settlements, and stood up for the farmers and ranchers who power our agricultural economy.

What are your top priorities in your first year?

As Lieutenant Governor, I will focus on water, workforce, and energy. Water is essential to Idaho agriculture and communities, and I will continue advancing Idaho’s water plan and protecting water rights. I will prioritize workforce development that connects Idahoans with high-demand careers and supports Idaho businesses. I will also work for affordable, reliable energy and responsible energy investment that supports economic growth and quality of life.

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

I served as president of the Idaho Cattle Association and as a director of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, advocating for ranchers and the vitally important work they do.

Fiscal conservative

Yes. I am fiscally conservative. As Speaker of the House, I led efforts to reduce regulation, deliver the largest tax cut in Idaho history, maintain budget surpluses, and protect a strong rainy-day fund. I believe government should live within its means, prioritize needs over wants, demand accountability for every tax dollar, and plan for the future. Fiscal discipline protects Idaho’s economy, keeps taxes low, and preserves opportunity.

Social conservative

Yes. I am a social conservative. I believe in protecting the values that have long defined Idaho: respect for life, strong families, personal responsibility, faith, and community. I have fought to defend the sanctity of life, protect Second Amendment rights, protect women’s sports, and ensure parents, not government, have the primary role in raising and educating their children. I have an A+ NRA rating and a 100% pro-life voting record with Idaho Chooses Life.

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

I am running again for Lieutenant Governor because there is unfinished business. Idaho is the best place to live and work, with a light hand of government, sound fiscal policy, and strong hard infrastructure like roads and water, as well as advantages like low taxes and great schools. Growing up in Idaho should be an asset, not a liability, and I want to help keep it that way.

What is your plan to advocate for your top priorities?

My priorities are water preparedness, responsible management of land and timber resources, and education for our kids and grandkids. Idaho’s water and timber resources are not endless, so we must manage them for today and for future generations. I also want a strong education system that teaches students critical thinking skills rather than telling them what to think.

How would you define your responsibilities when serving as Acting Governor, and what actions would you consider appropriate — or inappropriate — during those periods?

When serving as Acting Governor, I would stay aligned with the Governor and would not freelance. Idaho citizens expect a good working relationship between the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and I have that kind of working relationship with Governor Little. My role would be to maintain continuity, respect that relationship, and act within the expectations of the office.

What policy areas would you hope to be asked to lead or coordinate if delegated by the Governor and why do you believe you are well-suited to lead in those areas?

The Governor has delegated water policy, natural resource policy, nuclear energy, and education to me. Water and natural resources are areas of both expertise and passion for me. I also co-chair the advanced nuclear energy task force and want Idaho to do its part in meeting future energy needs while protecting our natural resources. Education remains another area of strong interest and commitment.

If asked by the Governor to lead or coordinate a growth-related initiative, what specific issues would you prioritize, and how would you work with local governments rather than override them?

Any system that depends on overriding local governments is doomed to fail. I believe in building coalitions and remaining open to different points of view. Growth comes down to infrastructure, including police, fire, education, roads, water, and sewer. At the same time, we should avoid over regulating from the state level and work with city governments to manage growth successfully.

As President of the Senate, how do you view your role in presiding over closely divided legislative debates and potential tie-breaking votes?

As President of the Senate, I see my role mainly as an umpire. Mine is a procedural role, not a policy role. When an issue is closely divided, it may need more debate and committee work before returning to the floor. My goal is not to be the deciding vote, but to help direct the body in finishing its work.

How would you approach time-sensitive decisions related to infrastructure, economic development, or emergencies when serving as Acting Governor?

In time-sensitive situations, I would rely on policies and procedures already in place. Emergencies are not the time to reinvent the process. I can make decisive decisions when needed, but in most situations the Governor is a phone call away. I also want people to understand my decision-making process, including the rationale and thought process behind decisions, especially in a crisis.

What is your stance on legalizing marijuana?

I am solidly against legalizing marijuana.

What question should voters be asking, but aren’t?

Voters should pay close attention to how elected officials represent their districts. Legislators and senators need to listen to and represent their constituents. I am not a fan of cliques or out-of-state report cards. Idaho is growing quickly, and I want to help make sure that ten years from now, we still recognize our great state.