Doing the Hard Work, Not the Easy Politics

As I return to North Idaho after three months of legislative work in Boise, I find myself reflecting on what this session—and the three years I’ve served in the Idaho Senate—have taught me. I’m reminded of a lesson I first encountered early on, but whose meaning has grown clearer with time: never be afraid to go it alone if that’s what it takes to stand for your constituents.

Serving as an independent conservative voice in the Legislature isn’t always easy. It means enduring the noise of social media potshots and interest-group fundraising ploys. But that noise doesn’t guide my votes—conviction does. And my constituents can rest assured that their voice, not someone else’s agenda, is what drives my work.

My approach to legislation has always followed the same framework: seek God’s wisdom, ensure alignment with the Constitution, and listen to the people I serve. Please note that the opinions of lobbyists and unelected influencers have no place on that list.

This session, I had the privilege of serving once again on the Senate Finance Committee and as part of JFAC, where we delivered over a billion dollars in budget cuts, provided $453 million in tax relief, and left $420 million on the bottom line. I also carried more budget bills this year than ever before—an enormous responsibility that I welcomed. Budgets aren’t always glamorous, but they are where real work gets done.

As the new Vice Chair of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, I helped advance major reforms to our foster care and childcare systems under the leadership of Director Alex Adams. We’ve laid the groundwork for a more compassionate, cost-effective child welfare structure—and we’re not done yet. In the months ahead, I’ll continue that work on the Medicaid Review Panel, where we’ll focus on structural reforms and cost containment.

Over the course of the session, I sponsored and carried more than 30 bills—every one of which was signed into law. From reforms to emergency medical services and deregulation of childcare facility licensing, to greater financial security for Idahoans with disabilities, the focus was always on results. I’m especially proud of working with State Representative Bruce Skaug on House Bill 59, the Medical Ethics Defense Act. This critical legislation protects the rights of medical professionals to speak freely and act according to their conscience—a major win for both patients and providers.

I also want to commend our own State Representative Tony Wisniewski for his work on a late-session success: a tax deferral bill that helps cash-poor, equity-rich Idahoans on fixed incomes remain in their homes with dignity. Collaborations like these are what make the Idaho Legislature worth serving in.

In short, this session wasn’t about headlines. It was about hard work, done quietly and faithfully. I didn’t come to Boise to grandstand—I came to serve.

And I’ll continue doing just that, for as long as the people of District 5 give me the honor.