Bryan Hopkins
I have built my life, my business, and my candidacy on simple but powerful principles: traditional values, common sense, and good stewardship. As a CPA and financial planner, I have spent my career focused on budgets, fiscal responsibility, and accountability — helping individuals and families manage their resources wisely. As a family man, I have been happily married for almost 35 years and am proud to have raised two outstanding sons who are now successful adults living here in Idaho. If elected, I will work every day to protect and preserve the Idaho we love — keeping Idaho Idaho for our families, our communities, and future generations.
Idaho GOP Platform Responses
✓+ Strongly Agree ✓ Somewhat Agree O Somewhat Disagree X Strongly Disagree
| Topic | Candidate’s Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| ✓+ | Responsibility in Government | The government’s responsibility is to protect its citizens. |
| ✓ | Citizen Involvement | Citizens should be educated and involved to the extent possible, however some political matters should be left to those with expertise in fields of subject matter and those with that expertise should be involved to help govern. |
| ✓+ | Education | In a rapidly changing world that becomes more competitive every day education is key to America and to Idaho to help protect our position as a country in leadership. For Idaho education is key for a stable and growing society. |
| ✓+ | Agriculture | I believe agriculture is key to a secure country and is vital to the economic health of the state of Idaho. As a practicing CPA I have assisted number ranchers, farmers and dairymen navigate the complex world of federal compliance, state compliance and the ability to earn a living and keep a family business within the family. |
| ✓+ | Water | Water is key to farming and ranching and that must be protected from overreach to help sustain our economy. |
| ✓ | Natural Resources / Environment | Idaho is beautiful and protecting natural resources and environment will be a challenge in a growing idaho, unfortunately. There is a delicate balance between protecting natural resources and environment while managing growth. This challenge is not new and it will not get any easier as the state continues its growth, particularly in the southern part. |
| ✓+ | Energy | Energy independence is a matter of national security. Keeping energy affordable will also help keep idaho affordable for its citizens. |
| ✓ | Idaho National Lab | With proper safety and oversight power must be grown to support the expanding population, but done responsibly. |
| ✓+ | Private Property Rights | This is a constitutional right and the increase in HOAs in the state seems to put rules over laws. |
| ✓+ | State / Federal Lands | Remaining focused on local control of land. |
| ✓+ | Wildlife | The outdoor lifestyle is beautiful and we need to work on preserving the land and wildlife of Idahoans (and our guests) for generations of continued enjoyment. This also need to be balanced between recreational users and our AG community. |
| ✓+ | Economy | This is one of the primary reasons I am running. The growth is explosive, but needs to be managed and balanced |
| ✓+ | Health and Welfare | The growth of Idaho has put some pressure on the health and welfare system and attracting and retaining quality professionals. WIth that being said, health and welfare should be within the informed family to decide. |
| ✓+ | American Family | A traditional family is cornerstone to a stable society. |
| ✓+ | Older Americans | As an aging society this will bring additional challenges including the need for new facilities which should be welcomed without over regulation to provide facilities to support the needs of Older Americans. |
| ✓+ | Law & Order w/ Justice | Law and Order looking first to the Federal Constitution and then to the State Constitution to provide a safe and stable society. |
| ✓+ | Securing the Border | Without secure borders we do not have a secure nation. |
| ✓+ | Election of Idaho Judges | Open, fair and transparent. |
| ✓+ | Religious Liberty | Religious Liberty is a founding principle. |
Survey and Interview Responses
How long have you lived in Ada County?
I have lived in Idaho since 2020 and came from California to be near my two boys who graduated from BSU from the school Business and Economics.
How long have you been a Republican? Any prior party affiliation?
I have been Republican my entire life.
Have you been involved with any political organizations? (IACI, Idaho Majority Club, IFF, etc.)
casually via Facebook and Instagram.
Have you supported candidates from another party?
no
Why are you running for this office?
To help keep the values that have shaped Idaho intact for my children and grandchildren.
Have you held elected office before?
Not any political parties. I have been an elected officer in several charitable organization, church affiliations, and HOAs..
What makes you qualified for this role?
My years of experience as a business professional and analytical skills will help focus on budget, growth and affordability issues.
If elected, what 2-3 actions do you intend to pursue in your first year?
Budget, affordability, managed business growth and wage growth.
How have you served your community (boards, nonprofits, etc.)?
Church Finance Committee Member, Deans Roundtable California State University Fullerton, President Active 20-30 Club, President Elect Kiwanis Club, President HOA, Treasurer HOA
Do you consider yourself fiscally conservative?
Yes. I believe the small government and upholding the duties of the government to protect its citizens.
Do you consider yourself socially conservative?
Yes.
Give us your one-minute elevator speech for the campaign.
I’m running because I see Idaho changing in ways that resemble the state I intentionally left—California. I moved here to be near my family and to be part of what Idaho represented in 2020. I want to preserve those values while recognizing the challenges that come with rapid growth. My goal is to balance growth and affordability, knowing there are real tradeoffs, and to make decisions that minimize harm while protecting what makes Idaho unique.
What are your top three priorities, and what would you act on first?
My primary focus is fiscal responsibility and ensuring Idaho’s long-term financial health. With my background in finance, I want to help build realistic budgets that address both immediate needs and future stability. I also care deeply about preserving Idaho’s outdoor lifestyle and open spaces. As growth continues, I want to ensure Idahoans—now and in the future—can still enjoy access to the outdoors and maintain the quality of life that defines this state.
The party calls for reducing non-core state spending. Which programs would you cut or sunset, and what principles guide your budget decisions?
I haven’t completed a full deep dive into the state budget yet, so I’m not prepared to name specific programs to cut. However, I understand the concerns Idahoans have about spending. I believe education must remain a priority, especially with growth, teacher pay challenges, and overcrowding. In a growing state, it’s difficult to cut costs while maintaining essential services, so I would approach budgeting with a focus on long-term sustainability and responsible growth. To balance state tax cuts with local needs, I believe we should focus on raising wages for Idaho workers. As wages increase, tax revenue naturally increases—even at lower rates. Economic growth driven by employers like Micron and Meta can help strengthen both state and local budgets. My approach is to grow the economy so that individuals earn more, which supports public services without overburdening taxpayers.
Do you support education dollars following students to the school their parents choose, including private schools? Why or why not?
I support allowing education dollars to follow the student, including to private schools. Parents should have the freedom to choose an education that aligns with their family’s values. As education trends shift, especially toward what I view as more “California-style” approaches, families should have the flexibility to seek alternatives. Education should reflect the values and priorities of the family, not be dictated solely by a one-size-fits-all 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?
I believe we need to address rising property taxes by finding a middle ground. While I don’t support something like California’s Proposition 13, I do think we should limit rapid increases in assessed property values. Tying increases to Idaho’s cost of living could help families better plan and avoid being priced out of their homes. This approach would create more predictability while still allowing for responsible growth.
What is your position on holding employers accountable for knowingly hiring undocumented workers in Idaho?
I believe employers who knowingly hire illegal workers should face criminal consequences. Accountability is essential, and businesses should follow the law when it comes to hiring practices.
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 growth is largely driven by federal policies, and we need to work with federal partners to address it. I believe there should be a stronger focus on helping able-bodied individuals transition off Medicaid and into the workforce. I’m open to solutions like incentivizing employers through tax credits to provide health insurance, which could reduce reliance on government programs and promote personal responsibility.
What is your stance on the legalization of marijuana?
I support marijuana for medical use when prescribed by an Idaho-licensed physician. However, I oppose recreational use and do not believe the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Concerns around mental and physical health, addiction, and public safety remain significant, and I am not convinced legalization would improve outcomes in these areas.
Would you oppose multi-subject bills—even if you support part of them? Why or why not?
I support single-subject legislation. Too many bills are filled with unrelated provisions that serve special interests. I would advocate for a more transparent process where each bill focuses on one issue, allowing for clearer decision-making and accountability.