Ted Hill
I was born and raised in Idaho, attended Boise High School, and graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. I earned a master’s degree in international relations from Salve Regina University. I joined the Navy in 1984 and served 38 years as a fighter pilot with three combat tours, squadron commander, and Air Wing deputy commander. I acted as liaison to Arab countries and worked closely with allies including Great Britain, Australia, and Japan. I also contributed to strategic war planning and force assessments at the Department of Defense. I retired in 2022 and now work as a contract adversary fighter pilot.
Idaho GOP Platform Responses
✓+ Strongly Agree ✓ Somewhat Agree O Somewhat Disagree X Strongly Disagree
| Topic | Candidate’s Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| ✓+ | Responsibility in Government | Responsible and not burdensome. |
| ✓+ | Citizen Involvement | Vote and participate. |
| ✓+ | Education | We must evolve to compete. |
| ✓+ | Agriculture | Idaho essential. |
| ✓+ | Water | Water will be the critical resource of our future. |
| ✓+ | Natural Resources / Environment | Responsible use of our resources. |
| ✓+ | Energy | Idaho is precisely positioned to leverage the nuclear renaissance in America. |
| ✓+ | Idaho National Lab | INL will be essential in Idaho’s nuclear future. |
| ✓+ | Private Property Rights | Always working to protect. |
| ✓+ | State / Federal Lands | Defend our state land. |
| ✓+ | Wildlife | Good management essential. |
| ✓+ | Economy | Meet demands of an evolving economy. |
| ✓+ | Health and Welfare | Responsible. |
| ✓+ | American Family | The most important aspect of creating and maintaining our strength as a nation and sustaining our security. |
| ✓+ | Older Americans | I’m one, so it’s vital. |
| ✓+ | Law & Order w/ Justice | Always my focus to keep Idaho safe. |
| ✓+ | Securing the Border | Utmost priority. |
| ✓+ | Election of Idaho Judges | Conservative judges essential. |
| ✓+ | Religious Liberty | Must be assured. |
Survey and Interview Responses
How long have you lived in Ada County?
I grew up in Boise, graduated from Boise State and have lived in Eagle since 2000
How long have you been a Republican? Any prior party affiliation?
My entire adult life
Have you been involved with any political organizations? (IACI, Idaho Majority Club, IFF, etc.)
Idaho Majority Club
Have you supported candidates from another party?
No
Why are you running for this office?
I must do my part to defend my state and my country in any way I can. During my last four years, I have been very successful in meeting that objective.
Have you held elected office before?
I am in incumbent – I’ve served for four years.
What makes you qualified for this role?
Experienced and very successful legislator.
If elected, what 2-3 actions do you intend to pursue in your first year?
Nuclear power, national security, law enforcement.
How have you served your community (boards, nonprofits, etc.)?
Advanced Nuclear Task Force
Do you consider yourself fiscally conservative?
Yes. Entitlements and Medicaid expansion are crushing us.
Do you consider yourself socially conservative?
Yes. I have led many social and cultural war issues.
Give us your one-minute elevator speech for the campaign.
I focus on tough social issues because they shape our culture and future, even when others avoid them. My military background showed me these problems start in our communities. I’ve taken on difficult fights to push back against harmful cultural trends. I also bring a unique national security perspective, using my top-secret clearance to address threats like China. Looking ahead, I’m heavily focused on nuclear energy development at INL, which I believe could transform Idaho’s economy and even eliminate state income tax. I take on hard issues others won’t and work to position Idaho for long-term strength.
What are your top three priorities, and what would you act on first?
I advocate by educating the public and building support, especially around nuclear energy. I helped organize a major summit with the governor to inform people and reduce fear around nuclear technology. Idaho has a massive opportunity to lead in reprocessing nuclear fuel and developing advanced reactors. This could generate trillions in value and reshape our economy. Other countries are already doing this, and we should lead. My focus is helping Idaho secure this opportunity, attract investment, and position ourselves as the national hub for nuclear innovation and energy independence.
The party calls for reducing non-core state spending. Which programs would you cut or sunset, and what principles guide your budget decisions?
I believe we need to rethink education spending and redirect funds away from universities toward career and technical education that prepares students for the future economy. I see universities as outdated and not aligned with workforce needs. We need more discipline in schools and to address cultural issues impacting education. I strongly support school choice and believe parents should have better options. Public education is struggling, and we must refocus funding on practical skills and systems that actually serve students and families, rather than continuing to fund institutions that are not meeting today’s needs.
Do you support education dollars following students to the school their parents choose, including private schools? Why or why not?
I fully support education dollars following the student, including to private schools. Parents—not the government—should decide how their children are educated. I’m deeply concerned about ideological influence in public schools and believe families need alternatives. While I can afford private education myself, I support these programs for families who cannot. The larger issue is the breakdown of family structure and accountability, which government cannot fix alone. We must empower parents, expand choice, and create opportunities for students to succeed outside failing systems.
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?
Housing is becoming unaffordable due to rapid growth and outside money driving up prices. We can’t control prices or stop growth, so we need practical solutions. I support holding developers more accountable through mechanisms like impact fees to reduce the burden on taxpayers. Property taxes are tied to overall funding needs, not just home values. At the same time, Medicaid and other costs are straining the budget. Long term, I believe economic expansion—especially through industries like nuclear energy—is the best way to relieve pressure rather than relying solely on cuts.
What is your position on holding employers accountable for knowingly hiring undocumented workers in Idaho?
I strongly support holding employers accountable for hiring illegal workers and have pushed for E-Verify legislation. I’ve seen the border crisis firsthand and believe Idaho must act. Too many businesses rely on illegal labor, and that needs to stop—even if it raises costs. We should prioritize hiring Americans and enforce the law. I’m working on stronger legislation and coordination with law enforcement to close gaps. I’m willing to take political heat to address this issue because I see it as critical to protecting our workforce and maintaining the rule of law.
Medicaid costs are rising, and access remains a concern. What long-term reforms would you support to control costs, improve access, and protect taxpayers?
The biggest issue in Medicaid is accountability. We have too many people relying on the system without contributing, and that drives unsustainable costs. I believe we need work requirements and stronger expectations for personal responsibility. As a society, we must address unhealthy lifestyles that increase healthcare costs. Without reform, Medicaid and Medicare will overwhelm the budget. We may eventually face rationing if we don’t act. Encouraging healthier living and requiring participation in the workforce are key to making the system sustainable and fair for taxpayers.
What is your stance on the legalization of marijuana?
Legalization of marijuana has never worked out favorably for states that have passed it. Colorado recently legalized marijuana and experienced an immediate negative societal impact to include impaired driving and noticeable drops in productivity. There is also the issue that it is a gateway drug and particularly dangerous for minors. Our adversaries would undoubtedly advocate for us to be a nation of users. Distracted and disengaged.
Would you oppose multi-subject bills—even if you support part of them? Why or why not?
I generally oppose multi-subject bills because they make legislation harder to evaluate and can hide provisions that wouldn’t pass on their own. I’ve seen firsthand that combining issues weakens bills and creates confusion. It’s better to keep legislation focused and transparent so each idea stands on its own merits. When bills are too complex, they lose support and credibility. A clear, single-purpose approach leads to better outcomes and more honest policymaking.
What question do you wish voters would ask that they aren’t?
Voters are generally informed, but they should continue educating themselves and understanding how district differences impact representation. I represent a very conservative district, which allows me to take strong positions and lead on difficult issues. Not all legislators have that flexibility. It’s important for voters to stay engaged, communicate with their representatives, and understand the realities lawmakers face. I make myself accessible and listen to constituents, and I encourage people to stay involved and bring forward ideas that can help improve policy.


