Personal Biography
State Representative Branden J. Durst is native of Boise. Branden is married to his wonderful wife, Jaime, a teacher in a local school district. Branden has been blessed with three young boys, kindergartner Nicholas, preschooler Broden, and baby Carter. He is currently employed by a nationally renowned market research firm as a Research Operations Analyst. He is active at the Vineyard Christian Fellowship and the environmental ministry, Let's Tend the Garden. Branden enjoys coaching and watching his boys sports, BSU athletics, playing soccer and ultimate frisbee, fishing, staying current with national and global events, and the occasional game of frisbee golf.
Branden was born at St. Luke's Hospital in Boise, Idaho in 1980. He grew up in Southeast Boise attending its public schools and was a third generation graduate of Boise High School. During his childhood and youth Branden was actively involved in many activities including club soccer, baseball, wrestling, DECA, Young Life, and assorted church activities.
While an undergraduate at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), Branden was awarded a scholarship for speech and debate in which he won several individual and team awards. Branden's call to leadership was met upon his election to the role of student senator. While attending PLU, Branden was hired by the Washington State Attorney General's Office, Consumer Protection Division. The experience gave Branden a passion for consumer protections issues. He also had the opportunity to serve as a policy intern for the American Counseling Association in Alexandria, Virginia. As a policy intern, Branden became increasingly aware of the need for mental health services, a position that he continues to advocate for today. Academically, he earned a bachelor or arts degree in Political Science and a minor in Communication. His coursework also included several courses in economics including a masters level course in economic policy analysis.
After graduating from PLU, Branden attended graduate school at Kent State University and Claremont Graduate University where he studied public policy analysis and international political economy, respectively. He returned Boise, however and subsequently enrolled at Boise State University (BSU) where earned a Master of Public Administration degree. While enrolled at BSU, Branden earned an academic scholarship from the Department of Public Policy and Administration and a research assistantship from the Department of Economics. His coursework emphasized public policy analysis and higher education economics and policy.
