1. Tell us a little about yourself and your family, how long you have lived in the area.:

I moved to Idaho in 1963 to attend the University of Idaho, where I received a forestry degree. I then attended U of I’s law school. I met my wife, Vicki, and we have been married for 57 years. We have three children who live near our ranch south of Boise.

2. What is your educational background?:

BA and JD from University of Idaho

3. What is your occupational background?:

Rancher small business owner and retired attorney, Ada County Prosecuting Attorney, State Senator, Lt. Governor, Governor, U.S. Senator.

4. Do you have experience as an elected official and if so, what was your position, and how would you describe your voting record?:

Yes, see above. My record has consistently been conservative, I am always ranked in the category of the most conservative U.S. Senators and have even ranked a THE most conservative. I have a record of cutting taxes, standing up for the Second Amendment, standing up for life, and promoting border security. I have been one of President Trump’s strongest allies in the Senate, moving more of his nominees through my committee at a quicker pace than any other chairman.

5. Please tell us about your activity as a Republican. Have you previously voted for candidates of other parties? If yes, explain.:

I have run as a Republican since I first entered politics. I vote Republican.

6. What is the purpose of government?:

The purpose of government is to stay out of our lives and to protect the rights given to us by God.

7. Where do our rights as citizens of the United States come from?:

I agree with the Declaration of Independence when it says our inalienable rights are endowed to us by our Creator.

8. Describe why you are running for this particular office. What are your qualifications? What are your goals?:

I am running for re-election because thanks to President Trump, we are getting things done in Washington, D.C. My chairmanship gives me a platform to help President Trump achieve his America First agenda. We are in contact regularly and I go up to the White House to meet with him almost weekly. The Senate rewards seniority. Right now Idaho has two senators who chair two of the most powerful committees in that body. We cannot squander this opportunity that has put Idaho in a unique position to assist the president in turning America around. That is why he endorsed me and I have his full support in this race. If my fellow Idahoans re-elect me, my goals are to continue being a key ally of President Trump, defend Idaho’s lands, revive the U.S. nuclear industry, continue reducing inflation, and ensure that Idaho’s interests are protected.

9. Describe experiences where you are or have been engaged such as non-profit organizations, clubs, churches, boards, commissions, etc., where you have been of service to others.:

I am a lifetime member of the NRA, a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk foundation, a member of Trout Unlimited and Ducks Unlimited and other civic organizations. I am daily practitioner and member of the Catholic Church. My wife and I have been blessed enough to be able to financially support many charities and non-profit associations across Idaho and do so frequently.

10. Do you describe yourself as fiscally conservative? Please, elaborate.:

Yes, my career in the state senate, as governor, and as senator demonstrate this. While serving as Governor I delivered the single largest tax cut in Idaho history by reducing the skyrocketing property taxes. I have voted for tax cuts consistently in the Senate. I support the Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution. I often vote against continuing resolutions and other spending bills. America faces many threats to her status as the greatest nation on earth but the one threat that does not get enough attention is the out-of-control government spending, a threat as real and as significant as China.

11. Do you consider yourself as socially conservative? Please elaborate.: Yes. I have been a strong pro-life advocate throughout my career. Recently I worked with Rep. Ehardt on legislation to protect women in women’s sports and sat by her side at the U.S Supreme Court when her law was challenged by the woke liberals. I have been recognized by numerous pro-life and social conservative organizations for my conservative social stances.

12. Describe which party platform best aligns with your positions on public policy (Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or Constitutional Party) and where do you disagree with that platform.:

I agree with the Republican platform. My main disagreement with the national Republican platform is that the 2024 platform weakened the pro-life language that previously existed.

13. Do you have ANY history of tax liens, criminal record, bankruptcy, or conflict of interest (personal or professional)?: None, ever. .

14. Describe how you will make yourself available to your constituents and vote as their representative with FORTITUDE, adhering to the values and answers you have stated above.:

I return from D.C. nearly every single weekend and on Fridays, typically hold office hours around the state in one of the regional offices I have established, including my office in Coeur d’ Alane. I am known for making it a point to meet, face to face, with every Idahoan that comes to D.C. whenever possible. I have town halls, attend meetings with Idaho industries and associations, conference with veterans’ groups, and attend Lincoln Days around the state. Upon taking office and knowing firsthand how important constituent services are to Idahoans, I implemented a robust system for gathering and replying to constituent communication and made it the cornerstone of all my offices. Every member of my staff is instructed that it is my office’s single highest priority. I also use X, Facebook, and Instagram to communicate with constituents. I have a long voting record and am consistently rated as one of the most conservative senators. I have always done that and will continue to do so in the future. I know some other candidates tout visiting all 44 counties on the campaign trail. I understand why they do it, but this is not much of an accomplishment or qualification – it is what is required for this job. I have done it consistently during my years serving Idahoans. It is my privilege not just have visited these counties, but to actually help them and deliver for their citizens; whether it be ensuring that a Hayden veteran of the Korean War receives the medals he is entitled to, getting government regulations out of the way for a small business owner in Sandpoint, keeping 231 atrocious windmills out of Jerome county, or killing a plan to sell the public lands that a Blackfoot Idaho rancher grazed upon. I continue to work on problems that face Idahoans in every county, from extending the hours of the border crossing in Boundary County that is so important for many small business owners there to working with President Trump to get much-needed renovations to the Boise veterans’ home to ensuring that our students at the University of Idaho did not face the closure of their ROTC program. I am working for the residents of our state every day and I am asking for your support so I can continue these efforts.