Why Am I Running?

Why I’m Running for Office in Idaho

When people ask why I’m running for office in Idaho, especially since my family hasn’t been here for generations, I answer simply: Idaho is my home. While I may be a transplant, this state has embraced me and my family in a way no other place has. My wife, Misty, and I chose to settle in American Falls, not because it was where we grew up, but because we knew it was the right place for us and the perfect place for our grandchildren to grow up. We found a sense of belonging here that we didn’t find anywhere else.

We left Washington in search of a place where our conservative values could thrive—only to find that things were not as they seemed. The citizens of American Falls and Power County are solidly conservative, but unfortunately, their elected representatives do not often reflect those values.

A Warning from the Past

I’ve seen this story before. Misty grew up in a small, conservative town in Washington, one that was once full of wholesome promises. Over time, the Republicans in office began to weaken, caving in to the pressures of progressivism, trying to appease the few instead of standing firm for the many. The town, once a safe and affordable place to raise a family, slowly changed. It became more liberal, less safe, and less desirable. People fled, and the town we once loved became a shadow of its former self.

I fear this is happening right here in Southeastern Idaho. As we continue to elect weak Republicans—those who are friendly and well-liked but often fail to stand on principle—we risk losing the very qualities that make our communities strong and tightknit. It’s only a matter of time before our red state turns purple, and eventually blue, like the states to the west of us. And I can tell you one thing with certainty: No sincere Republican in Idaho wants to live like they do in Washington, Oregon, and California.

Why I’m Running Against Rick Cheatum

This is why I am choosing to run against Mr. Rick Cheatum. Cheatum is a counterfeit Republican; a wolf in sheep’s clothing who has consistently voted in ways that do not reflect the values of our community, nor our Party. He doesn’t seem to care who knows it, and his record speaks for itself:

  • HB242: Voted with Democrats to allow minors to be taken across state lines for an abortion without parental consent.
  • HB179: Supported Ranked Choice Voting, a system that undermines the integrity of our elections. (The voters of Idaho, to the tune of 70%, voted down RCV.)
  • HB710A: Voted with Democrats against moving lewd content out of children’s sections in public libraries.
  • HB135: Voted with Democrats against ending welfare benefits for illegal immigrants (emergency services excluded).
  • SB1023A, HB472: Voted with Democrats in favor of government-mandated vaccines, undermining our medical autonomy.
  • HB376: One of only two Republicans who voted with Democrats to restrict our Second Amendment rights.
  • HB32: Voted with Democrats to allow mask mandates.
  • HB93: Voted with Democrats against school choice, limiting parents’ right to choose the best educational opportunities for their children.

This is a mere glimpse of the votes that show where Cheatum’s true loyalty lies. District 28 deserves a representative who will stand up for the people, not bow to the pressures of big pharma, out-of-state corporations, and woke agendas.

District 28 deserves a True Conservative—someone who stands for the Constitution, someone who will fight to preserve our values, protect our freedoms, and keep our communities safe. We deserve a constitutional, Christian, unapologetically conservative Republican who will fight for lower taxes, better educational opportunities, and a stronger, safer future for our children.

As your representative, I will:

Cut taxes and reduce government spending so families can keep more of their hard-earned money.  Expand school choice so that every child can receive the education that best fits their needs. Protect our Second Amendment rights and defend our freedom to protect ourselves and our families. Defend our medical freedoms and ensure that no one is forced into government-mandated restrictions that violate their rights. Support law enforcement and work to keep our communities safe.

The Time for Change is Now

I’m asking for your vote in the 2026 Republican Primary because this is the moment we must rise together and ensure that District 28 remains the place we love. A place where families can thrive, where our values are upheld, and where we can stand strongly against the forces trying to change our way of life.

This election is not just about electing a representative. It’s about saving the future of our state. It’s about making sure that the Idaho we cherish, and love is protected for generations to come.

Let’s stand up for what’s right. Let’s keep Idaho red, conservative, and free. I ask for your support in 2026 so we can bring real change to Boise.

Vote for the values you believe in. Vote for an authentic Republican. Vote for James Lamborn.