The campaign against Proposition 1 in Idaho last year was remarkable. Republicans and independents united like never before to defeat a cynical attempt to rewrite our state’s election system. It was a true demonstration of the “big tent” vision that Ronald Reagan championed so long ago. Republicans who might disagree on a dozen different issues came together to fight ranked-choice voting, and the people of Idaho responded by rejecting Prop 1 with nearly 70% of the vote.
I’ve been optimistic that this newfound unity would carry through into the 2025 legislative session. Of course, Republicans will never agree on every issue, but we have a tremendous opportunity for respectful dialogue and meaningful debate that can lead to positive outcomes for the people of Idaho.
Unfortunately, some organizations aren’t interested in unity—nor are they concerned with the well-being of Idahoans. You may have seen text messages and social media ads recently using confrontational politics to attack good Republican legislators as “traitors” simply because they didn’t support a particular out-of-state group’s pet projects. While it’s important for citizens to hold elected officials accountable, this is not the way to do it.
Imagine you’re a brand-new legislator. You spent more than a year campaigning, knocking on doors, and sharing your vision with voters. Maybe you defeated a longtime incumbent, or maybe you won an open seat. You arrive in Boise full of hope and optimism, ready to serve your constituents—only to find yourself targeted by an out-of-state organization running ads that call you a “traitor” to the people of Idaho, before you’ve hardly taken a single vote.
Folks, I’ve been there. I defeated an incumbent to earn my seat in the House of Representatives. I remember those early days—stepping into my office for the first time, taking my seat on the House floor, and feeling the weight of responsibility for the voters of my district. It was an unforgettable experience.
Over the years, I’ve developed thick skin. I’ve been hit with some of the worst attacks imaginable—but that’s okay. I know I take flak because I’m over the target. Still, watching these new legislators arrive at the Capitol only to be immediately bombarded with such outrageous attacks made me angry. They had barely taken their seats before activists and lobbyists from over a thousand miles away calling them traitors. It’s disgraceful.
The people of Idaho elected their legislators to get things done, not to be used as pawns in a political circus designed to generate clicks and fundraising for outside groups. I urge all Idaho Republicans to stand together in unity—for their voters and for the future of our great state.
