2024 Highlights and Lowlights

Going into 2025 determined to be bold and courageously.

As I sit here in the comfort of my home, writing my final Substack post of 2024, I find myself reflecting on the highlights and lowlights of the year. Both are worth contemplating—high points inspire and encourage us, while the valleys teach us resilience and determination. Let’s start with some of the highlights.

Highlights:

• For the first time in over a decade, the legislature successfully overrode the Governor’s veto.

• For the first time in its history, a church service was held every Tuesday during the legislative session at the Capitol, with pastors from across Idaho leading the services.

• With the support of so many amazing people in my district, not only did I win re-election, but the Magic Valley also sent Rep. Clint Hostetler, Senator Josh Kohl, and Rep. David Leavitt to serve.

• I celebrated my 40th class reunion with my fellow classmates.

• I had the honor of serving as an alternate delegate for Donald Trump at the National GOP Convention.

• We helped defeat Proposition 1, thanks to the incredible efforts of so many people, including the Magic Valley Liberty Alliance, Young Americans for Liberty (who generously contributed to the MVLA PAC to spread the message), and the hardworking Twin Falls Republicans.

• We successfully elected Donald Trump as President.

• I worked with a group of citizens to expose $850,000 in misappropriations from Idaho State University to Bannock County.

• I attended a Hazlitt seminar with seven others, where we learned to use rules and procedures to pass legislation in our state. There, I also met Congressman Chip Roy, Vivek Ramaswamy, and many others. While some remain disappointed with Hazlitt over their misstep in Julianne Young’s race, it’s worth noting their instrumental support for Josh Kohl, David Leavitt, Clint Hostetler, Kent Marmon, Lucas Caylor, Christy Zito, Faye Thompson, and several others. Their successes far outweigh their mistakes.

• Tom and I attended the State Freedom Caucus Awards weekend in Texas with 7 others and Maria Nate, where I was inspired by the remarkable achievements made across various states. Andy Roth and Justin Ouimette also visited Idaho to share strategies for defending Idaho’s sovereignty. Their presentation mirrored one I attended in D.C. two years ago with 14 others, but with an added emphasis on prioritizing both individual and group prayer. Not once did they tell us what to do for our state—they left that decision to us.

• We completed our pasture and fencing project and added an outbuilding.

• I got a new Mazda CX-70.

• I was sworn in for a second term in the Idaho State Senate.

• We visited our kids in Nebraska, spent time with my parents in Iowa, and had the joy of having our oldest home for Christmas.

Lowlights:

• I was removed from my Vice Chair position over an article I wrote that offended some legislators, even though I provided links to support everything I said. The blessing in this situation was the overwhelming support I received from my constituents, even though I was not reinstated to that position.

• I chose to withdraw from the first Idaho Freedom Caucus because several aspects did not align with my principles. I understand that some are concerned about the division, so here’s my perspective: we are not divided on policy but rather on principles and the methods to achieve those policies. The true test will come next session when we see how everyone votes. As for me, I remain committed to supporting less government, less spending, and the elimination of government waste.

• My primary race was brutal. I faced rejection, false accusations, and attacks—not from out-of-state money, but from our own Governor’s funds directed to a PAC that produced TV ads and mailers, and even from my local sheriff. The sting might have been easier to bear if the opposition had come from outside the state, but instead, it came from within.

Overall, I’d say the highlights of 2024 far outweighed the low points. As I look ahead, I am determined to step boldly and courageously into 2025. Wishing you all a Happy New Year—may you celebrate your victories and grow from your challenges!

The 'morality of compromise' sounds contradictory. Compromise is usually a sign of weakness, or an admission of defeat. Strong men don't compromise, it is said, and principles should never be compromised.

Andrew Carnegie