Colton Bennett
Republican | Idaho
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Colton Bennett
Party
Republican
Election Year
2024
Election
Republican Primary
Race
State Rep., Dist. 6A
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, A.S. Health Sciences, 2021
WORK & MILITARY
Army, Sergeant, 2019-2022
Army Reserves, Sergeant, 2022-Present
AFFILIATIONS
Trinity Reformed Church, Member, Latah County Republican Party
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (4)
Stop Idaho RINOs PAC
Think Liberty Idaho PAC
iLuvIdaho.org
Mike Kingsley
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (5)
“I give my full support to Colton Bennett. Colton is young, vibrant, well spoken, and will fight for conservative values that align with our Republican platform. I look forward to serving with him in the Idaho House.” -Idaho State Rep. Mike Kingsley
“As I have gotten to know Colton over the past months I have observed his unwavering commitment to limited government and personal liberty. His ability to speak directly to the issues combined with a striking understanding of what government should be doing.” Colton will be a great representative for Idaho District 6. Please join me in sending Colton Bennett to Boise this November.” -Carl Berglund, Latah County Businessman
“From Colton’s service in the military to his loyalty as a family man, we need principled representatives fighting for us in Boise. Colton is the trusted candidate that we can send down to Boise, knowing that the principles of the Republican Party will be genuinely upheld and Idaho’s freedom will grow under his leadership.” -Gabe Rench, Host of the CrossPolitic Show
“I am supporting Colton Bennett for District 6 seat A for Representative. I know he will follow the Republican platform…, vote to keep spending under control, and protect our liberty.” -Rebecca Crea, Chair of Lewis County GOP
“I fully endorse Colton Bennett for the Idaho House of Representatives… he is 100% pro-life, pro 2nd amendment, and will work hard to lower taxes.” “In summation, I believe Colton is the person we can count on when he gets to Boise.” -Daniel Crawford, Nez Perce County GOP Committeeman
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (0)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (4)
David J. Leavitt (2024)
Karey Hanks (2023)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2023)
Mike Kingsley (2023)
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
None. The intentional killing of innocent human beings is always wrong. The keyword in this question is "elective", meaning not necessary. I do favor an exception for the Life of the Mother as this is an example of necessity.
Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.
Strongly Agree
I believe these drugs should be outlawed for use as elective abortifacients.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Agree
I support 'aid in dying' laws which legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia.
Strongly Disagree
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Under what circumstances can government close churches?
Never. I understand that a Fire Chief has the authority to clear a building for a gas leak for example, but this question implies permanence, prolonged, or targeted closure.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Strongly Disagree
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
This danger is compounded by apps such as TikTok and Temu.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes, our relationship is vital. Israel is a vital ally in an otherwise unstable region, we are intelligence partners, and share basic Judeo-Christian values making them an indispensable part of US Foreign Policy.
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
C. with the purpose of heading towards D. I don't believe 'ripping the carpet out' is a prudent approach to Healthcare, however we should move toward a free market by promoting policies that wean dependence on the government and support direct primary care.
Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?
None. This is in regards to civilians, the Military does have the prerogative to immunize troops but this should NOT be done with experimental or unnecessary vaccines and should have a process for seeking religious and medical exceptions.
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
What is your position on the minimum wage?
I am generally opposed to minimum wage proposals as they are a form of inflation and interfere with the free market.
Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?
No
Taxpayer money ought to be spent with the best outcome in mind, not used to further woke ideologies.
IMMIGRATION
The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.
Strongly Agree
EDUCATION
The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child through programs which protect parents' freedom to choose their child's school – public, private, or homeschool.
Agree
I favor an Income Tax Credit school choice program. I do have concerns and would oppose a program that would create regulations, or a framework for regulations, on homeschool families. For this reason I believe an income tax credit offers the least bureaucracy and most personal freedom.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.
Strongly Disagree
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
None. Current gun restrictions ought to be repealed.
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No
What do you think is the general purpose of government?
To protect the rights of mankind.
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
VALUES
Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.
Strongly Agree
Parents should have the right to make decisions for their minor children.
Strongly Agree
An obvious difference between abuse and decisions exists, for example no parent should be able to mutilate their child's genitals.
Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.
Strongly Disagree
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Strongly Agree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian, a follower of Jesus. I know I am a sinner saved by grace, through Christ's atoning death on the cross. In light of this I strive to live in accordance with His commands found in Scripture.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Disagree
States should join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact which makes the Electoral College irrelevant.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
Racism does not currently pose a threat to our domestic security. Historically it has, hypothetically it could, but presently it does not. America provides all people with robust equality, rights, and opportunity. Racism, in any form, is evil, but fanning the flames of racial tension is equally evil.
I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.
Strongly Disagree
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Which comes closest to your view? (Select all that apply) A) Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economy. B) Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost. C) Stricter environmental laws undermine U.S. energy independence and deter development of reliable electricity sources. D) Climate change is real and requires urgent policy action.
Both A and C. I believe a free market is best suited to drive the stewardship of the environment.
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Likely nuclear energy on a national level. I have no problem with fossil fuels but I believe the technology potential for nuclear will make it the future. Currently in Idaho hydroelectric is the main source of our energy and should be protected.
