Colton Bennett

Colton Bennett was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. Bennett began serving in the U.S. Army in 2019. He earned an associate degree from Purdue University Global in 2021. Bennett's career experience includes working as an EMT. As of 2024, Bennett was affiliated with the Latah County Republican Party.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a Christian, conservative, husband, father and US Army Veteran. I am running for the State House to uphold the oath I took to defend our nation's Constitution. I believe Idaho is unique, one of the last bastions of freedom and worthy of defending. If elected I intend to fight for our rights and way of life.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Reduce Property Taxes: I believe we need to deliver a permanent tax cut to Idahoans. I plan to do this by freezing the property tax rates for retired residents, expanding the homeowners exemption, and stopping government growth.Sanctity of Life: I am grieved to say, I am the only 100% pro-life candidate in this race. I believe life begins at conception and ought to be protected and cherished from that moment on. I believe intentionally killing an innocent human being is always wrong. If elected I will fight tirelessly to uphold the right to Life for every person.Protecting our dams: Idaho's dams provide 60% of our energy for the state. As the fastest growing state in the union, now is not the time to be flirting with dam removal. If elected I intend to put this issue at the forefront, working to preserve and expand our hydroelectric sector.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Energy Policy, Right to Life, and Liberty Issues are all subjects I am incredibly passionate about.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My Grandfather. James Bennett was a municipal judge for 10 years in southern Ohio. One day, as an election was nearing, some local 'party bosses' came into his office and tried to get him to make a political deal. My grandfather threw them out of his office. He wasn't going to play politics with the judiciary. As they left his office one of the men said to him "Jim, you'll never win re-election." and he never did. But he kept his integrity. I see politics through that lens, if you can't keep your integrity you shouldn't get involved to begin with.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Thomas Paine's Common Sense is an incredible work. It is short and readable in a single sitting. I first read it during the Covid-19 pandemic and it has radically reshaped my view of government. For longer reading, John Locke's Second Treatise on Government is also incredible.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Integrity, Passion, Dedication, Honesty, and Principle

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To protect the rights of my constituents. Every other power and duty is an extension of this.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my daughter to think back on my time in politics with high esteem. I want her to know I always did what was right even if it cost me.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

September 11th, 2001. I distinctly remember praying for the firefighters that responded that day. These events helped shape a call to military service in my own life.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked as a dishwasher and bus boy starting at 16. I continued in that line of work until I was 19, so three years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Les Miserable by Victor Hugo. I think the book perfectly captures the themes of Justice, Grace, Redemption, and Forgiveness in a way that touches history, religion, and theology very effectively.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

The Priest in Les Miserable, he profoundly changed a mans life, and arguably the world.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The Big Red One Song, this is the Division song of the First Infantry Division. I served in that unit for 3 years between 2020 and 2022.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

As a young adult entering the workforce I knew I was different. The fact that I was homeschooled while growing up on a small farm with my seven siblings shaped me in a way that I didn't always fit in in social settings. My call to those around me has always been "I may be different, but give me a shot" Those that have given me a chance have never regretted it.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The legislature ought to hold the governor accountable. The governor ought to advise and give consent to the legislature. The legislature ought to wield the bulk of the powers of government because they are closest to the people.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Fiscal Responsibility: currently 40% of our state budget is federal dollars burrowed by our 'broke Uncle Sam' on the credit of future generations. We have grown government at a stunning rate and this dependence on federal money will come back to bite us. The solution is to end Idaho's dependence on federal money and return our fiscal affairs to Boise not Washington DC.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

This may be helpful but is by no means essential. Most of our DC politicians have very illustrious resumes and yet they border on incompetence. I think a wave of fresh ideas and new leaders, untainted by the stain of politics, would serve our nation well.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Of course! Relationships are always helpful. The legislature ought to be a collegial body working for the common good of their constituents.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

If I can pick any figure historically? Davy Crockett for certain! Crockett was truly a man of the people and a man of principle. He lived this out in (and out) of politics. His most defining moment was voting against the Indian Removal Act which brought about the trail of tears. This principled stand cost him re-election. Afterward he left for the Alamo where he would go on to give his life for liberties cause.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

I have no desire to seek political office in Washington DC. Washington DC is broken, corrupt, and has abandoned the founders intent. However, if I may be of service elsewhere in state government I am always ready to answer the call of service.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Yes, while knocking on the thousands of doors in this district I met a gentleman in Juilaetta, Idaho who had recent lost his wife. During her final years she had needed around the clock care and he was having difficulty caring for her. When he applied for government assistance he was denied. Soon after his wife died. With tears in his eyes he asked me "Why do these politicians deny me help when I need it, but they give our tax money to illegal immigrants instead?" This gentleman had always paid his taxes, worked hard all his life, but his own government let him down and shipped his tax money to those who had never paid a cent in taxes. These broken promises are what is wrong with government today.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Absolutely oversee them! If emergency powers are going to exist at all they must be checked and reigned in by the legislature. Tragically this was not done during the Covid-19 lockdowns and government overreach.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

A bill to expand child support to begin before birth. My wife and I recently welcomed our first child, the medical bill was in the tens-of-thousands of dollars (thankfully we had insurance). I do not believe a mother should bare these expenses alone when it takes two people to make a baby. Once paternity can be confirmed with a blood test, a father should begin taking financial responsibility.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have been endorsed by the District 6 Republican Central Committee, Think Idaho Liberty, and Stop Idaho RINOs. I have also earned the support of State Representative Mike Kingsley as well as several other prominent Republicans. You can find a full list on my website.

What committees interest you?

I would like to serve on the State Affairs Committee and/or the Transportation and Defense Committee.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Both of these are paramount. Power rests with the people and yet government far away squanders our tax dollars and gives us empty promises. The place government must be held accountable is at the ballot box. Citizens ought to always be able to see where their tax dollars are going.