Why I’m running
I’m running for Governor because Idaho is making it harder to do the most conservative thing a person can do: start a family, build a life, and stay.
We talk about family values, but families are getting priced out by the cost of living, pushed away by crumbling school buildings, and squeezed by a budget that doesn’t add up.
My “why” moment came when the problems stopped feeling abstract.
I saw school facilities falling apart. I saw young families doing everything right and still unable to picture kids, or grandchildren, in their future here. And I watched a wild budget deficit grow while everyday Idahoans were told to just accept it.
I was on vacation out of state when it hit me: I don’t just like Idaho, I love it. I want to live here forever. I want my kids to stay. I want my future grandkids to grow up here. But that won’t happen by accident. It takes leadership that can budget responsibly, invest in schools and infrastructure, and bring costs down for working families.
What a gift it is to live in our beloved state.
Idaho stands out in the nation as a place of beauty, freedom, and family. As I look around, and listen to my neighbors I can feel the pride we have for the place we call home, mingled with apprehension and uncertainty for its future. Rising cost of living, failing schools, and a rapidly growing population have brought Idaho to a place where we need to renew our commitment to the future. We need to examine the ways we spend, and reinvest to ensure that Idaho’s citizens and their families are in a position to do more than merely get by. The hard working people of Idaho deserve to thrive. Fair taxes, top notch education, and more money kept in the pockets of its communities. To make that happen, we need strong leadership, responsible stewardship, and the fire to work hard.
Recently I had the opportunity to go on a vacation with my sister. While enjoying one of the most beautiful places on earth, all I could think was; “Yes, this is breathtaking, but, there’s no place like home.” I love Idaho. To serve my beloved state, and have a hand an securing its future for my neighbors, and my (potential) grandchildren would be an honor. It's time for renewal, its time for temperance, it's time for Idaho to be heard.
I’m running to make Idaho a place where families can plan, prosper, and stay.
Jill’s Story
I was born in Pocatello sometime before the 80’s. My family was Idaho typical, my dad worked, and my mom stayed home with me, and my three little sisters. We were brought up in a strong religious home, which provided opportunities for service, and sparked my spiritual awareness.
Eventually my parents' hard work, and sacrifice paid off, and they began to build their dream house. To keep costs manageable, when my homework was done, and if I didn't have practice, I was recruited to help my father with whatever stage of building we were at that day.
His determination, and grit taught me valuable lessons about time, and practical building skills that I imagined everyone had. Plus, I once enjoyed the unique privilege of shoveling snow out of my living room on Christmas morning.
Two weeks after I graduated from Pocatello High School, I got married.
We were young, optimistic, and excited to start the adventure of life. Two years later I learned that not everything works out. He is a good man, and we are blessed to share a son. Finding myself a single mom, I looked into school, but couldn't make the numbers work. Then, while driving home after a particularly difficult day, I saw a guy in a loader ripping my road apart! Looking for a fight, I rolled up on him, got out of my car and began yelling. Twenty five years later we have four grown children, and are part of a humble family business.
We made the choice when our first daughter was born that I would do as my mom did, and stay home with our kids while my husband worked. Those years were lean, and hard. We struggled at times to make ends meet, but never thought about sending me to work. Through years of soccer, swimming, Cedar Badge, Special Olympics, Honors Society, and many Halloween parties their childhoods flew by. Eventually they got into middle school, and because they were my priority, I took up substitute teaching. I followed them as far as high school. Our children are our greatest triumph. Each a hard working, thoughtful, compassionate human. Now, our family has expanded to include their equally remarkable partners. One day we hope they add grandchildren.
I want to live in Idaho for the rest of my life.
I want it to be a place that my Son, and his wife can afford to thrive. I want my grandchildren to have access to an education worthy of them. I want to see our future secured. Those things wont happen if we keep on the path we’ve been set on. The time has come for Idaho to have a Governor who’s a mom. Someone to say No when things aren't right. Someone to stand for what Idaho values. Someone who’s not willing to back down from a hard fight.