Legislative Biography

State Representative Branden J. Durst is a first term Idaho legislator representing District 18 (South and Southeast Boise). Rep. Durst was originally elected in November of 2006.

As an elected official, Rep. Durst was appointed to three standing committees in the House of Representatives: Education, Agricultural Affairs, and Business. In these committees Rep. Durst has been outspoken in defending and advocating for the interests of District 18. Additionally, Rep. Durst's expertise in the area of information technology was utilized by his appointments to the State of Idaho's Information Technology Resource Management Council (ITRMC) and the State Legislature's Ad Hoc Technology Committee. The members of ITRMC include three other legislators and agency heads from many of Idaho's largest agencies including Health and Welfare and Education.

Rep. Durst made history by becoming the first legislator to publish a blog live from the floor of the State Legislature. The decision to do so was indicative of Rep. Durst's committement to opening the lines of communication between himself and the residents of District 18. In addition to his blog, Rep. Durst also co-hosted several forums in both the 2007 and 2008 legislative sessions with fellow District 18 Legislators Senator Kate Kelly and Representative Phylis King. The forums offered residents an opportunity to discuss issues and engage their legislators.

As the only member of the House Education Committee from Ada County, Rep. Durst made service to District 18's public schools a top priority. Rep. Durst participated in several panel discussions with students and parents. In addition, Rep. Durst initiated contact with every PTO/PTA with an attendance area in District 18. To learn more about the issues, click here.

Personal Biography (click here)