Hi, I'm Branden Durst, running to be Caldwell's voice in the Idaho Senate.
As a Christian, husband, father, small business owner, and Treasure Valley native, I've watched Idaho change. While some changes are good, others concern me.
I'm running to keep Idaho the best place to live and raise a family and continue to value the things that make Idaho special. That means fighting for conservative causes like stopping explosive government spending, ending woke indoctrination, and finding a solution to property taxes.
Whether you've lived here five generations or five months, I'd love to meet you so you can tell me what is important to you. As I walk through our neighborhoods, I hope we can connect. And don't worry, if you have a no soliciting sign, I'll respect your privacy. My goal is to be accessible, so if you ever want to talk, you can call or text me directly at 208-505-8893.
Branden Durst for Idaho Senate, District 11
Branden Durst is America First.
What is Courageous Leadership?
Branden Durst stands firm on the principle that made this nation, America First. This powerful conviction forms the foundation of our Republic and has been made mainstream by President Donald Trump. At it's core it is a commitment to putting the interests of our citizens, our economy, and our borders above else, especially corrupt corporations. It means putting American jobs before foreign competition, securing our homeland and ensuring our values guide our foreign policy.
For Idaho, an America First approach means a relentless focus on our state's unique challenges and specific needs. This includes safeguarding our unique cultural and natural resources industries from unfair foreign competition, protecting our communities through secure borders, and for consistently pushing back against federal overreach that threatens Idaho's sovereignty.
Branden Durst believes in a strong, prosperous, and independent America, where our nation's well-being, and by extension Idaho's, is always the undisputed top priority.
Courageous leadership isn't about popularity; it's about principle. It's the unwavering commitment to do what's right, even when it's hard, even when it's unpopular, and especially when it challenges the status quo.
As Ronald Reagan wisely stated, "The future doesn't belong to the faint-hearted; it belongs to the brave." It means prioritizing the long-term well-being of the people over short-term political gain, making tough decisions, and standing firm in the face of opposition.
True leaders don't just follow the polls; they forge a path. For its core, as C.S. Lewis observed, "Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point." It is this courage tested in the crucible of challenge that defines true leadership.
Priorities: Make Caldwell More Affordable and Livable!
Branden Durst is America First. The proper role of government has been severely distorted. We've seen government spending in Idaho skyrocket, increasing by nearly 55% in last few years alone. This out-of-control spending is unsustainable and hurts every citizen, especially seniors, due to rising inflation. At the same time liberal institutions are promoting values that aren't Idaho values. Our priorities must put America First, protect Idaho values and bring state government back to basics, as easy as ABC:
Abolishing Property Taxes
You work your whole life, sacrificing and saving, but you never truly own your home. Property taxes are a tyrannical, never-ending rent demanded by the government, threatening to seize your most valuable asset at any moment. Seniors, in particular, feel the cruel injustice of losing the home they've lived in for decades, all because they can no longer afford to pay their ever-increasing property tax bill. It’s time to abolish property taxes.
Battling Indoctrination
Our children deserve an education, not a ideological program. We must safeguard our schools from divisive doctrines that undermine parental rights and traditional American values like individual liberty, self-reliance, and faith. Education standards must be improved and parents must be put in charge. It’s time to equip the next generation with critical thinking skills, not coerce them into conforming to radical agendas.
Cutting Wasteful Spending
Our government has a spending problem, and you're paying for it. Every dollar wasted is a dollar taken from your pocket, fueling inflation and buying future generations debt. It’s time to slash wasteful spending, restore fiscal sanity and put an end to the government addiction to your money. Talk is cheap, but cutting spending takes courageous leadership. Branden won't be a rubber stamp for bloated budgets.
Meet Branden Durst
Christian, Courageous, Conservative
Branden Durst is a fourth generation Idahoan whose family roots run deep throughout the Treasure Valley. Branden believes that to save our Republic patriots must act boldly and courageously to address the issues facing our community and Nation. Most importantly, Branden’s faith is paramount to his worldview and belief in freedom, liberty and Truth.
In 2006 Branden was elected to the Idaho House of Representatives and quickly earned a reputation for being able to create innovative solutions to difficult problems. This innovative aptitude resulted in Branden being awarded the Public Innovation Award from the Idaho Freedom Foundation and the Accomplished 40 Under 40 Award from the Idaho Business Review.
Branden was re-elected in 2008 and then elected to the Idaho Senate in 2012; a strong conservative voting record placed him as the eighth most conservative member of the then very conservative Idaho Senate. Whether as an elected official or as a private citizen, Branden has been involved with drafting and helping pass some notable legislation including Idaho’s very successful Advancement Opportunity program, which has been used by thousands of Idaho students and leading the drafting of Idaho’s No Public Funds for Abortion Act which defunded abortion providers in Idaho.
Professionally, Branden has served in a variety of leadership positions in the public and private sectors. This includes running a successful consulting business, as a Senior Education Analyst for the Idaho Freedom Foundation and as a Senior Fellow for the Idaho Family Policy Center.
Branden has also been very active in Republican politics with appointments to chair and be a member of a variety of Idaho Republican Party committees, writing significant portions of the IDGOP platform and party rules, as well as being elected to serve as vice chair of a legislative district central committee. In 2024, Branden volunteered for the final two weeks before the presidential election going door-to-door in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania to help elect President Trump.
In addition to volunteering for the Republican Party, Branden has also served many youth focused organizations including Idaho (Caldwell) Inferno Soccer Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life and others. Branden serves on the Board of Directors for Secure Idaho.
Academically, he holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Pacific Lutheran University. Branden also has earned a master of public administration degree with emphasis in policy analysis and an education specialist degree in educational leadership, both from Boise State University.
Branden is married to his amazing wife, Cheri and has five children - four sons and one daughter. They live in Caldwell and attend New Life Bible Fellowship.
Donate
Three easy ways to donate today!
Asking for financial support is never fun, but without it the chances of success are dramatically lowered. Donations are critical to helping spread our message by purchasing literature, yard signs and more. Your donation, no matter the size, from $5 to $1000 will be stewarded with maximum effectiveness and efficiency. Thank you for your support of making Idaho a better place to live and raise a family!
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Support the campaign the old-fashioned way by mailing a check to Durst for Idaho, 1615 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell, ID 83605.
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Proven Conservative
You may have heard that when Branden Durst served in the legislature he was a Democrat! Well, just like President Trump and many others, that's true. But that's only half the story. Branden Durst was one of the most conservative members of the Idaho Senate*. He had a 100% pro-life voting record and even had earned the endorsement of Idaho Chooses Life (the only Democrat to do so). In addition to his conservative voting record, as a Democrat senator, Branden financially and publicly supported Raul Labrador's and Russ Fulcher's congressional and gubernatorial campaigns. He finally walked away in 2016.
If he was that conservative as a Democrat, imagine how reliable and courageous he'll be as our Republican senator! As Paul Harvey used to say, "now you know the rest of the story."
*Based upon the 2013 Idaho Freedom Foundation Freedom Index Report. Copyright Idaho Freedom Foundation. To see the whole report, click here.
Compare the Candidates
Would you rather vote for a former Democrat that voted like a Conservative Republican, or a Republican that votes like a Democrat? That's the choice in this election.
Contact Us
Telephone: (208) 505-8893
E-mail: info@durstforidaho.com
Address: 1615 Cleveland Blvd, Caldwell, ID 83605
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