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

My name is Mark Fitzpatrick, and I'm blessed to be happily married to my wonderful wife of 23 years, Sarah. Together, we have six incredible children: one adopted through a foster-to-adopt program in Anaheim, California, and five biological. Our kids range in age from 12 to 21 and they keep our home full of life, energy, and purpose as we raise them grounded in faith, family, and freedom. I'm now almost 48 years old and have lived in Idaho since 2018, when my family and I made the deliberate move here from California. We came seeking a state where our freedoms would be truly protected, away from overpopulation, rampant consumerism, leftist policies, and crushing taxes. In many ways, I feel like I've always been an Idahoan at heart; it just took me about 40 years to finally get here. We've put down deep roots in the Eagle area and the Treasure Valley, building our life and businesses while embracing the values that make Idaho special. At the core of who I am is my faith: I believe our U.S. Constitution is a divine gift from God, and that We the People have a sacred responsibility to be good stewards of it. I fear no man; only the Father, the Creator of all. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. Every morning, I wake up and pray, asking the Lord, "What would You have me do today?" That question guides my life, my family decisions, and now my call to step up and run for office. I'm running to protect the freedoms, traditional values, and way of life that drew us here, and that our children deserve to inherit and pass on.

2. What is your educational background?:

I was blessed to attend private Catholic schools from kindergarten through high school, where I consistently excelled academically and athletically. Many school years I ranked first in my class, and upon entering high school, I received honors recognition and maintained a 4.0+ GPA throughout four years of rigorous honors coursework. Athletically, I was recruited by several prestigious Division I universities nationwide for soccer, receiving multiple athletic scholarship offers. Ultimately, I accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, after earning Congressional nominations from both Senator Dianne Feinstein (no I would never have voted for her) and Congressman Buck McKeon. I successfully completed Plebe Summer and the first semester at USNA, where I lettered on the varsity soccer team (Patriot League), starting several games as a freshman. My initial goal was to become a fighter pilot, but after deep reflection and prayer, I discerned it was not the path God had for me, so I honorably left after that semester. I technically have a DD214 with an honorable discharge, but I do not consider myself to have earned the title of “veteran”. I transferred my credits to California State University, Northridge (near my hometown), where I accepted an athletic scholarship and continued my high-performance approach—taking a heavy course load each semester finishing my classes in just 3.5 years. This allowed me to complete my degree (BA in Sociology / Criminology) right on time to enter the Newport Beach Police Department and attend the Orange County Sheriff's Academy, launching my career in law enforcement. I finished first overall in my academy class at OCSA, named the “Most Outstanding Recruit.” My education instilled in me discipline, perseverance, a commitment to excellence, and the value of service; principles I've carried into my family life, businesses, and now my decision to run for office to serve our community and state.

3. What is your occupational background?:

My career started humbly. My first paid job was cleaning the toilet in my grandfather's submarine sandwich shop, “My Hero,” in Northridge, CA. It taught me early that hard work, no matter how unglamorous, builds character and fuels ambition. After college, and excelling at the Orange County Sheriff's Academy as the "Most Outstanding Recruit," I served 12 years full-time as a police officer with the Newport Beach Police Department, followed by 3 years as a reserve officer until demands from family and business made it impossible to continue dedicating the time required. I left in good standing and am considered a “retired peace officer” according to federal standards (LEOSA 18 U.S.C. § 926C). Those 15 years total in law enforcement gave me frontline experience upholding the law, protecting communities, confronting crime's root causes (including the failures of open borders and soft-on-crime policies), and understanding what strong, principled leadership looks like in high-pressure situations. God wired me entrepreneurial, and government jobs weren't the right fit long-term. I built and led an international luxury marketing company,RUHM.com, and combined with my real estate experience, I was entrusted to oversee sales and marketing for projects totaling over $2.5 billion in value. I've worn many hats as a serial entrepreneur: succeeding in some ventures, failing in others (and learning invaluable lessons from both), and always pushing forward with discipline and faith. In Idaho, I've put those skills to work selling, marketing, and developing real estate. I’m proud of developing 5-acre lots designed as beautiful small farm communities to preserve open space, promote self-reliance, and protect our rural way of life from being swallowed by future dense tract housing and overdevelopment. Today, I'm the owner of Old State Saloon (OldStateSaloon.com) in Eagle, a community hub for good food, honest conversations on faith/family/freedom, and unapologetic truth. I also own a wedding venue and events center (StoneCrossing.com) that celebrates traditional marriage. Through these businesses, I've created jobs, navigated Idaho's regulatory environment as a small business owner, supported local families, and stood boldly against cultural erosion (including founding “Heterosexual Awesomeness Month” to defend God's design for family and sexuality with conviction and a bit of humor). This path from street-level public safety to leading massive real estate/marketing initiatives, to building Idaho-based businesses that reflect conservative principles… has equipped me with practical leadership, fiscal responsibility, perseverance, and a deep commitment to service. I'm no career politician; I'm a retired officer, successful (and sometimes humbled) entrepreneur, husband, father, and patriot.

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

No, I have no experience as an elected official. I see this as a strength, not a weakness, especially given the current infighting in Idaho's Republican Party, even among non-RINOs. Divisions over leadership, policy purity, and priorities have created drama and distraction that hurt unity and focus on real results for Idahoans. Career politicians or insiders often play by unwritten rules: backroom deals, avoiding tough calls to keep peace, or compromising principles for advancement. That leads to watered-down representation and more of the same. Ultimately, it hurts the people of Idaho. I'm not bound by those rules. I fear no man, only God. And, I've always called it like it is, whether in business, on social media, or standing up for faith, family, and freedom. No entanglements means no baggage, no need to toe an insider line, and full freedom to represent We the People first. Idaho needs fresh conviction and courage right now, not more of the status quo. That's exactly what I bring to this race for governor.

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

I've been a lifelong Republican, raised in a conservative family with deep roots in law enforcement. My dad served 40 years as a police officer, instilling strong values of order, personal responsibility, and limited government from day one. My grandfather was a Marine. Even as a kid, I debated politics on the playground with anyone who'd listen. In 6th grade, I read Rush Limbaugh's The Way Things Ought to Be, which reinforced what I already knew: conservatism makes sense, and liberalism has always made me want to vomit. My Christian faith has guided me every step. I never strayed. I've always voted Republican in every election, primary and general, because the party's core principles (at their best) align with biblical truth, constitutional stewardship, secure borders, fiscal sanity, and protecting family and freedom. I've never supported or voted for a Democrat, independent, or third-party candidate for any major position. I don’t recall any of the more minor positions being anything other than Republicans. My activity as a Republican goes beyond the ballot box. Through Old State Saloon, I've created a space for unapologetic conservative conversations, hosting events that champion America First policies, law enforcement (like our ICE support gatherings), traditional values (Heterosexual Awesomeness Month), and calling out RINOs or weak leadership. I've used my platform (social media, business promotions, and community events) to push back against leftist agendas, support strong conservative voices, and rally people around faith, family, and freedom. It's not party-line activism for show; it's living out convictions daily, even when it draws threats or backlash.

6. What is the purpose of government?:

The purpose of government, as our Founding Fathers intended and as the Idaho Republican Party platform affirms, is to be a servant of the people, not their master. Government should be limited to core functions that individuals, families, churches, and the private sector cannot effectively handle alone. That means protecting citizens' God-given rights and liberties, securing our borders against foreign invasion (including deceptive invasions disguised as refugee resettlement or those "seeking a better life"), enforcing the rule of law, and maintaining essential public infrastructure like roads and basic safety services. Government has no business expanding into endless social programs, wealth redistribution, or initiatives that pick winners and losers in the economy. Most welfare, education choices beyond basics, healthcare, and charity should be handled by the private sector ( families, communities, churches, and businesses) where people keep more of their hard-earned money because taxes are minimal or even eliminated where possible. High taxes and a bloated government steal resources from productive citizens and incentivize dependency rather than self-reliance. When people have more in their pockets, they give generously, innovate, and build stronger communities without bureaucratic interference. We must stop incentivizing illegal behavior: no programs or benefits for non-Americans that come at the expense of citizens. The American Dream is for Americans first. We must have secure borders, no sanctuary policies, and full enforcement to protect our sovereignty and way of life. As governor, I'd fight to shrink government, slash taxes, end unnecessary programs, and redirect focus to what truly protects and empowers Idahoans.

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

One of the reasons I feel pressure to be a good steward of our government is because it seems clear to me it is a gift from God. Our rights also come directly from God, our Creator, not from government or man. As the Declaration states, we are "endowed by [our] Creator with certain unalienable Rights," including Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. The Constitution exists to secure these God-given rights, not grant or redefine them.

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

I'm running for Governor of Idaho and my whole life has prepared me for this moment. For years, I've publicly called on God-fearing conservatives to step up, join the fight, and take back our government from weak leadership and corruption. When it became clear there were no real contenders willing to challenge Brad Little (who is a poor example of a Republican, to put it mildly) I realized I couldn't be a hypocrite. I had to follow my own advice. By stepping forward, I hope to inspire more patriots across Idaho and our great nation to run for office and restore principled leadership. My qualifications are rooted in real-world experience, not career politics: 15 years in law enforcement (12 full-time as a police officer, 3 as reserve), where I learned to protect communities and enforce the law without apology. Serial entrepreneur: built businesses in international luxury marketing (overseeing $2.5B+ in real estate sales/marketing projects), real estate sales, real estate development (creating 5-acre small farm communities in Idaho to preserve rural character), and hospitality (owner of Old State Saloon and a wedding venue celebrating traditional values). Lifelong conservative raised in a Republican, law-enforcement family; unapologetic defender of faith, family, freedom, and the Constitution as a divine gift. Community leader who uses my platform to rally people around America First principles, call out RINOs, and push back against cultural decay, all with no fear of man, only fear of God. My goals as governor are clear and bold: Expose and root out evil and corruption in our government. Idaho must have actual transparency first. Shrink government dramatically: eliminate unnecessary programs, slash taxes, and deliver a much smaller state budget so Idahoans keep more of their money. Eliminate Democrat and RINO influence by inspiring and mobilizing the people to demand real conservative representation. Make Idaho richer and more powerful by responsibly using our abundant natural resources of timber, agriculture, mining, energy all while protecting private property rights and rural way of life. Secure our borders, end incentives for illegal immigration, defend God-given rights (life, liberty, 2A, religious freedom, parental rights), and ensure Idaho remains the last best place: free, faith-friendly, family-first, and prosperous. My governorship will be about stewardship. God has equipped me through trials, successes, failures, and conviction to lead Idaho forward. I'm ready to serve.

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.:

Service to others has been a constant thread throughout my life, from childhood through current day, driven by my faith in Christ and the call to love my neighbor. I've volunteered extensively in churches: serving in programs, providing physical labor (including plowing snow and countless hours of setup/teardown for a church that met in a school for several years), serving on the security team for over 10 years, offering one-on-one advising and counsel, and helping plant a new church from the ground up. Beyond churches, I served 3 years on the Board of Directors for Pretend City Children's Museum in Irvine, California, a non-profit focused on hands-on learning and community for kids and families. I've also given time to various organizations and even government-related volunteer efforts where needed, prioritizing putting others first.

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

Yes, 100%, especially when it comes to government. I'm a staunch fiscal conservative in the tradition of the Idaho Republican Party platform: lower taxes, reduced spending, limited government, and letting the private sector thrive by keeping more money in people's pockets. High taxes burden families, businesses, and individuals; the best way to achieve real relief is by slashing unnecessary government spending across the board. As governor, I'd push for dramatic tax reductions, a much smaller state budget, elimination of wasteful programs, and responsible use of our natural resources to build prosperity without growing the bureaucracy. That said, in my private businesses, I've openly admitted to succumbing to the temptation of aggressive growth strategies, reinvesting heavily to expand, hire, and develop new ideas. When a company is always plowing profits back into growth, it minimizes or eliminates taxable "profit" on paper. I don't like paying taxes. I never have and I never will. So, I've used every legal avenue to keep as much as possible working for my family, employees, and community instead of feeding government overreach. It's smart business in a high-tax environment, but it doesn't change my core belief: government should tax far less and spend far less. What may or may not work for a private entrepreneur shouldn't be an excuse for bloated public spending.

11. Do you consider yourself as socially conservative? Please elaborate.: Yes. If social conservatism means following God and His laws as revealed in Scripture, then yes, 100%, no apologies. My faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior defines my worldview: God's design for life, marriage, family, sexuality, and morality is absolute and unchanging. This means unwavering commitment to the sanctity of life from conception (opposing abortion and related practices), traditional marriage as one man and one woman, parental rights as God-given and supreme in education and upbringing, religious liberty without compromise, and rejection of progressive ideologies (CRT, DEI, queer theory) that contradict biblical truth. Sharia Law in Idaho or anywhere in America? Um… No way. Through Old State Saloon and efforts like Heterosexual Awesomeness Month, I've actively promoted these values, celebrating God's design, defending faith and family, and pushing back against cultural decay. Liberal social agendas have always repelled me because they defy God's order. As governor, I'd protect these biblical truths: defend life, secure parental rights, uphold religious freedom, keep radical ideologies out of schools, and ensure Idaho stays family-first and faith-friendly.

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.:

Idaho’s Republican Party platform best aligns with my positions on public policy. As a lifelong Republican, my views on minimal government, low (or zero) taxes, secure borders, traditional values, and stewardship of the Constitution as a divine gift mirror the GOP's core principles: limited government that protects God-given rights, fiscal responsibility through spending cuts, strong enforcement against illegal immigration (including state-level action to repel invasions), defense of life from conception, sanctity of traditional marriage and family, unwavering Second Amendment support, parental rights in education, and responsible use of natural resources for prosperity. The Idaho GOP's emphasis on reducing government size/debt, opposing non-constitutional programs, and faith/family/freedom resonates deeply with my call to expose evil in government, inspire conservatives to eliminate Democrat and RINO influence, and make Idaho richer by slashing taxes/budgets while empowering citizens.

13. Do you have ANY history of tax liens, criminal record, bankruptcy, or conflict of interest (personal or professional)?: No.

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.:

As Governor my duty would include using the veto (or not), my executive influence, my influence in rallying the People of Idaho, and agenda-setting with the same conviction I've pledged: defending God-given rights, shrinking government, slashing taxes, securing borders, exposing corruption, and upholding faith/family/freedom without compromise. To stay directly accessible to Idahoans, proving I have no handlers, I'll commit to: Monthly open-forum town halls in the Lincoln Auditorium at the State Capitol, starting late January 2027. Open to all, with no screening. I’ll take real questions and I’ll give straight answers. For the first few, I'll personally fund a taco bar in the hallway to make it welcoming and see how many show up for honest dialogue. Near-daily updates via social media (as I do now) and press releases, sharing decisions, progress, and unfiltered takes on issues. A Governor's Podcast that I will host personally featuring politicians, business leaders, community voices, experts, and even those who disagree on social issues, trending events, or policy. It will be a platform for tough, open conversations on faith, freedom, borders, taxes, values, and more. It’ll bring transparency and diverse perspectives directly to Idahoans. Again, what I’m describing is stewardship, not politician-ing. I'll lead with fear of God alone, serving We the People first while being accessible, accountable, and bold. Idaho deserves a governor who shows up, listens, fights, and delivers every day. As we have seen, Governor Little absolutely will not answer to the people, and the liberal media will never challenge him. I will bring change to the governor’s office the day I’m sworn in!