Idaho GOP Platform Responses

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Survey and Interview Responses

How long have you lived in Idaho?

Over 50 years.

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

My entire life.

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

I am not affiliated with any political organizations, but I work with all of them.

Have you supported candidates from another party?

No.

Why are you running for this office?

I want to lift up Idahoans by maximizing the state’s financial wellness.

Have you held elected office before?

Yes, 12 years in the Legislature and 7 years as State Treasurer.

What makes you qualified for this role?

I have successfully managed the Idaho State Treasury, and I love doing this job.

What are your top priorities in your first year?

I will continue to provide transparency on our state dollars with a report card and regular updates to the website. I will work with lawmakers on emerging topics and study the issues so that I am well informed.

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

I chair several boards in the State Treasurer’s Office, including the 529 College Savings Program, Idaho Bond Bank Authority, Credit Rating Enhancement Committee, and the Treasurer’s Investment Advisory Board.

Fiscal conservative

Yes. I govern like it is my personal checkbook. I want to assure money is managed with answerable oversight, and I seek the best value for every dollar spent.

Social conservative

Yes. My legislative voting record shows I am pro-life and value strengthening families. I believe people should make decisions for their lives, not some system of government.

Give us your one-minute elevator speech.

I am running because I believe in protecting all Idaho taxpayers and I want to continue to represent Idahoans in how we manage our state funds. I am responsible for the Account Receivables while the State Controller is responsible for the Account Payables. Separation of power is particularly important in how we manage and spend our money. I love my job and I want to continue to elevate Idahoans with good money management.

What is your plan to advocate for your top priorities?

First, I will continue managing Idaho’s funds in full compliance with state code, ensuring disciplined investments across short-, intermediate-, and long-term horizons. I will maintain strong oversight, transparency, and regular audits to safeguard and grow our $12 billion portfolio for all Idahoans. Second, I will continue to oppose the expansion of programmable money that could replace traditional currency and threaten financial freedom. Third, I will strengthen fraud prevention by preserving clear separation of duties—keeping receivables under the Treasurer and payables under the Controller—to protect taxpayer funds and ensure accountability.

What principles should guide state investments? What level of risk do you believe is appropriate when managing public funds?”

The principles are spelled out in Idaho code and overseen by the Treasurer’s Investment Advisory Board and those include: Safety, Liquidity, and Yield. We are looking for yield but safety and liquidity are imperative when managing state funds.

What allocation percentage should Idaho hold in precious metals or commodity-linked reserves?

Our various committees are always looking at how we invest money. There isn’t a set percentage that is allocated to precious metals though we look at all investments. So while we want good yields, we need to assure safety and liquidity at all times.

How would you communicate investment performance and financial risk to taxpayers in a clear and accessible way?

I developed a report card that is updated yearly but we have quarterly meetings to assess where we are at with state investments. I put the report card in place to ensure transparency to the taxpayers. It comes out in December in advance of the taxpayer’s conference which is also in advance of the beginning of each legislative session.

What is your position on placing state funds with financial institutions that prioritize ESG goals?

I oppose ESG and pushed back on ESC overreach which started 4 years ago. We need to always look at the changing messaging associated with this effort. ESG was pushed to supersede the way we should invest our money which is for safety, liquidity and yield. I will always focus on my accountability to Idaho’s taxpayers and not on mandated investing like ESG.

How should the Treasurer respond to federal banking regulations that could restrict services or limit Idaho’s financial independence?

I push back on anything that would restrict services or limit Idaho’s financial independence and thankfully our state senators are on good committees to help with that. Since we are a smaller state, I have joined with 28 other state Treasurers and some auditors to form a coalition of State Financial Officers and, combined together, we represent ½ of the state funds in the nation. Together we are a relevant voice nationally and I have worked and would work through that structure to address situations like those you are asking about.

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

These last few years, voters are waking up and asking more questions. That is great! I would have constituents ask those seeking election if they will listen to their constituents or only listen to their donors.