Republican voters in Idaho’s Legislative District 35 will choose between Mike Veile and Chad Christensen for the House of Representatives Seat A race.

Veile is currently serving his first term after being appointed by Gov. Brad Little last spring, while Christensen previously served two terms before losing his seat to Josh Wheeler. Both candidates bring legislative experience and differing approaches to key issues facing the district.

Q: Can you share your personal and professional background with the readers?

Christensen: I was born in Idaho Falls. I grew up being taught the importance of hard work, playing baseball, learning to appreciate the outdoors, and learning to love my Creator. I am a graduate of Skyline High School. I served an LDS mission in San Diego, Calif. I have two sons and five stepchildren who I adore. I love my wife, Lana. She has been a tremendous blessing in my life.

I served in the U.S. Army for 12 years, in law enforcement as a county probation officer, state felony parole officer, state welfare fraud investigator, and a military police investigator. I have been employed in both blue- and white-collar jobs. I worked in the oil field for a period and as an insurance agent. I currently help my friend with a crane business and am a real estate agent. I also run a private investigation business.

I am an Idaho State University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in political science. As a two-term legislator, I strongly believe I have proven I stand for the people of my district. It’s in my blood to stand up for what is right, to make wrongs into rights, to protect the God-given rights and freedom of people. It doesn’t matter who the foe might be — foreign enemies, groups against liberty, or our very own government.

I love the Idaho mountains, streams, rivers, and forests. I feel a great solace and closest to God when I am in the mountains and amongst His creations. I love to hunt, fish, snowmobile, dirt bike, camp, and be with my family in the outdoors. I am truly an Idaho boy at heart. It is important for me to pass my outdoor knowledge and skills to my kids to value what God has given them and how to effectively benefit from our land while being respectful of it.

Veile: I am Mike Veile, the District 35A representative. I grew up in Rexburg and attended Utah State University, where I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering. During that time, I met my wife, who is from Downey, Idaho. We have been married for nearly 31 years and are the proud parents of four children, all of whom also attended Utah State.

My career began in smelting and refining in Salt Lake City, but we wanted to return to Idaho and have now lived in Soda Springs for 28 years. My professional career continued in heavy industry, where I worked in elemental phosphorus production as both an engineer and a manager. I have since left industry and now operate my own engineering firm.

My experience has given me the opportunity to serve on various boards and task forces throughout the state. Much of my volunteer work has been connected to Idaho’s fish and game resources, including service with the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Idaho Landowner-Sportsman Advisory Council. I also valued my time with the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry. Most recently, and most rewarding, was my service as a Soda Springs School Board member, which gave me a firsthand understanding of the critical role public education plays in our communities.

Q: What motivated you to run for the District 35 seat?

Christensen: As stated, I previously served for two legislative terms. I served because I have a passion for protecting God-given rights, and that passion hasn’t dimmed in me. The Constitution is very important to me. I would give my life to protect it. It doesn’t matter if I am in office or not; I will always stand for God-given rights.

I am exhausted with the representation we receive in Boise. Therefore, that motivated me to step back into the arena. So many so-called Republicans tout how conservative they are during campaign season, yet go to Boise and vote the exact opposite. They vote more with the Democrats than for real conservative principles. Idaho deserves true Republicans, not fake ones that just know all the conservative talking points. I have proven to be a real Republican and will continue to be if elected again.

Veile: I am seeking office because I value involvement, service, and the opportunity to help shape my community’s future. In recent years, my professional work gave me the chance to spend significant time in Boise and observe the Legislature firsthand. That experience strengthened my interest in public service and deepened my appreciation for the legislative process. Now, with greater flexibility in my professional life, I am in a position to serve and help influence issues I care deeply about.

Q: What are your top priorities and goals if elected?

Christensen: I have two top priorities if elected. As mentioned, I once worked in welfare fraud as an investigator. I left that position in 2011, and the fraud was rampant then. I left because my hands became tied when I tried to hold two welfare workers who were committing fraud accountable. The department head told me he didn’t want the state to receive a “black eye.” I told him I didn’t see it that way and that it would show citizens we don’t tolerate that behavior. Things became very difficult for me. I resigned because I didn’t want to work for an agency that wasn’t concerned about integrity and didn’t have my back.

After I was elected, my old co-workers came to me and said Health and Welfare was tying their hands from doing their jobs. I confronted the Health and Welfare director, and he told me he would fix the issue. Instead, he later disbanded the recipient welfare fraud unit. I plan to bring that unit back and place it with the attorney general’s office. I know recipient fraud is out of control here, and it needs to be dealt with properly. A utilization review team or quality control of some sort is not a proper fraud team.

I also want to remove the rider (retained jurisdiction) and probation options for certain sexual crime convictions. I feel the public is fed up with some judges giving these predators a slap on the wrist for severely and violently harming our children. I am fed up!

Veile: First, I support public education. Idaho’s schools need flexibility, local control, and the freedom to innovate without being overwhelmed by excessive regulations and unfunded mandates. Teachers are professionals who deserve respect and support.

Second, I am committed to keeping public lands and resources public. Idaho’s outdoor heritage is central to our way of life, and public access must be protected. At the same time, responsible resource development can strengthen local communities and preserve opportunities for future generations.

Third, I support Idaho’s critical industries, including phosphates, nuclear energy, and semiconductor manufacturing. These industries are vital to our economy, our workforce, and our nation’s independence. Government should encourage their success through workforce development and reasonable regulation.

Fourth, I believe in efficient government and fiscal discipline. Idaho must continue to live within its means, protect taxpayers, and provide essential services effectively. I will work to keep government limited, efficient, accountable, and focused on practical results for the people of our state.

Finally, District 35 is ground zero for water in eastern Idaho, with the Bear, Teton, Snake and Portneuf rivers. One of the greatest investments we can make for our state’s future is in our water resources, with storage, aquifer recharge and irrigation innovation. Now is the time to start this significant effort.