Colton Bennett

Colton Bennett (Republican Party) is running for election to the Idaho House of Representatives to represent District 6A. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.^[source]

Biography

Colton Bennett was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. Bennett began serving in the U.S. Army in 2019. He earned an associate degree from Purdue University Global in 2021. Bennett's career experience includes working as an EMT. As of 2024, Bennett was affiliated with the Latah County Republican Party.^[1]

Elections

2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for Idaho House of Representatives District 6A

Incumbent Lori McCann, Trish Carter-Goodheart, Colton Bennett, and Ryan Augusta are running in the general election for Idaho House of Representatives District 6A on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Lori McCann (R)
		Trish Carter-Goodheart (D)
		Colton Bennett (R)
		Ryan Augusta (Independent)

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

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2024

General election

General election for Idaho House of Representatives District 6A

Incumbent Lori McCann defeated Trish Carter-Goodheart and Ryan Augusta in the general election for Idaho House of Representatives District 6A on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Lori McCann (R)	64.8	17,794
	Trish Carter-Goodheart (D)	35.2	9,648
	Ryan Augusta (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	3

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 27,445
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Idaho House of Representatives District 6A

Trish Carter-Goodheart advanced from the Democratic primary for Idaho House of Representatives District 6A on May 21, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Trish Carter-Goodheart	100.0	1,069

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,069
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Idaho House of Representatives District 6A

Incumbent Lori McCann defeated Colton Bennett and Dave Dalby in the Republican primary for Idaho House of Representatives District 6A on May 21, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Lori McCann	43.6	2,814
	Colton Bennett	40.5	2,614
	Dave Dalby	15.8	1,022

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 6,450
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

To view Bennett's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Bennett in this election.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

Colton Bennett has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. Send a message to Colton Bennett asking him to fill out the survey. If you are Colton Bennett, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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You can ask Colton Bennett to fill out this survey by using the buttons below or emailing info@bennettforidaho.com.

2024

Colton Bennett completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bennett's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a Christian, conservative, husband, father and US Army Veteran. I am running for the State House to uphold the oath I took to defend our nation's Constitution. I believe Idaho is unique, one of the last bastions of freedom and worthy of defending. If elected I intend to fight for our rights and way of life.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Reduce Property Taxes: I believe we need to deliver a permanent tax cut to Idahoans. I plan to do this by freezing the property tax rates for retired residents, expanding the homeowners exemption, and stopping government growth.
Sanctity of Life: I am grieved to say, I am the only 100% pro-life candidate in this race. I believe life begins at conception and ought to be protected and cherished from that moment on. I believe intentionally killing an innocent human being is always wrong. If elected I will fight tirelessly to uphold the right to Life for every person.
Protecting our dams: Idaho's dams provide 60% of our energy for the state. As the fastest growing state in the union, now is not the time to be flirting with dam removal. If elected I intend to put this issue at the forefront, working to preserve and expand our hydroelectric sector.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Energy Policy, Right to Life, and Liberty Issues are all subjects I am incredibly passionate about.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My Grandfather. James Bennett was a municipal judge for 10 years in southern Ohio. One day, as an election was nearing, some local 'party bosses' came into his office and tried to get him to make a political deal. My grandfather threw them out of his office. He wasn't going to play politics with the judiciary. As they left his office one of the men said to him "Jim, you'll never win re-election." and he never did. But he kept his integrity. I see politics through that lens, if you can't keep your integrity you shouldn't get involved to begin with.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Thomas Paine's Common Sense is an incredible work. It is short and readable in a single sitting. I first read it during the Covid-19 pandemic and it has radically reshaped my view of government. For longer reading, John Locke's Second Treatise on Government is also incredible.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Integrity, Passion, Dedication, Honesty, and Principle

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To protect the rights of my constituents. Every other power and duty is an extension of this.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my daughter to think back on my time in politics with high esteem. I want her to know I always did what was right even if it cost me.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

September 11th, 2001. I distinctly remember praying for the firefighters that responded that day. These events helped shape a call to military service in my own life.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked as a dishwasher and bus boy starting at 16. I continued in that line of work until I was 19, so three years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Les Miserable by Victor Hugo. I think the book perfectly captures the themes of Justice, Grace, Redemption, and Forgiveness in a way that touches history, religion, and theology very effectively.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

The Priest in Les Miserable, he profoundly changed a mans life, and arguably the world.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The Big Red One Song, this is the Division song of the First Infantry Division. I served in that unit for 3 years between 2020 and 2022.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

As a young adult entering the workforce I knew I was different. The fact that I was homeschooled while growing up on a small farm with my seven siblings shaped me in a way that I didn't always fit in in social settings. My call to those around me has always been "I may be different, but give me a shot" Those that have given me a chance have never regretted it.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The legislature ought to hold the governor accountable. The governor ought to advise and give consent to the legislature. The legislature ought to wield the bulk of the powers of government because they are closest to the people.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Fiscal Responsibility: currently 40% of our state budget is federal dollars burrowed by our 'broke Uncle Sam' on the credit of future generations. We have grown government at a stunning rate and this dependence on federal money will come back to bite us. The solution is to end Idaho's dependence on federal money and return our fiscal affairs to Boise not Washington DC.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

This may be helpful but is by no means essential. Most of our DC politicians have very illustrious resumes and yet they border on incompetence. I think a wave of fresh ideas and new leaders, untainted by the stain of politics, would serve our nation well.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Of course! Relationships are always helpful. The legislature ought to be a collegial body working for the common good of their constituents.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

If I can pick any figure historically? Davy Crockett for certain! Crockett was truly a man of the people and a man of principle. He lived this out in (and out) of politics. His most defining moment was voting against the Indian Removal Act which brought about the trail of tears. This principled stand cost him re-election. Afterward he left for the Alamo where he would go on to give his life for liberties cause.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

I have no desire to seek political office in Washington DC. Washington DC is broken, corrupt, and has abandoned the founders intent. However, if I may be of service elsewhere in state government I am always ready to answer the call of service.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Yes, while knocking on the thousands of doors in this district I met a gentleman in Juilaetta, Idaho who had recent lost his wife. During her final years she had needed around the clock care and he was having difficulty caring for her. When he applied for government assistance he was denied. Soon after his wife died. With tears in his eyes he asked me "Why do these politicians deny me help when I need it, but they give our tax money to illegal immigrants instead?" This gentleman had always paid his taxes, worked hard all his life, but his own government let him down and shipped his tax money to those who had never paid a cent in taxes. These broken promises are what is wrong with government today.

Tell us your favorite joke.

If 'poly' means 'many' and 'ticks' are 'sucking parasites' what is politics? (Answer: Many sucking parasites).

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Absolutely oversee them! If emergency powers are going to exist at all they must be checked and reigned in by the legislature. Tragically this was not done during the Covid-19 lockdowns and government overreach.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

A bill to expand child support to begin before birth. My wife and I recently welcomed our first child, the medical bill was in the tens-of-thousands of dollars (thankfully we had insurance). I do not believe a mother should bare these expenses alone when it takes two people to make a baby. Once paternity can be confirmed with a blood test, a father should begin taking financial responsibility.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

I have been endorsed by the District 6 Republican Central Committee, Think Idaho Liberty, and Stop Idaho RINOs. I have also earned the support of State Representative Mike Kingsley as well as several other prominent Republicans. You can find a full list on my website.

What committees interest you?

I would like to serve on the State Affairs Committee and/or the Transportation and Defense Committee.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Both of these are paramount. Power rests with the people and yet government far away squanders our tax dollars and gives us empty promises. The place government must be held accountable is at the ballot box. Citizens ought to always be able to see where their tax dollars are going.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Colton Bennett campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	Idaho House of Representatives District 6A	Lost primary	$21,193	$20,810
Grand total			$21,193	$20,810
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

External links

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Candidate

Idaho House of Representatives District 6A

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 2, 2024

[show]

Current members of the Idaho House of Representatives

Leadership

Speaker of the House:Mike Moyle

Majority Leader:Jason Monks

Representatives

District 1A

Mark Sauter (R)

District 1B

Cornel Rasor (R)

District 2A

Heather Scott (R)

District 2B

Dale Hawkins (R)

District 3A

Vito Barbieri (R)

District 3B

Jordan Redman (R)

District 4A

Joe Alfieri (R)

District 4B

Elaine Price (R)

District 5A

Ron Mendive (R)

District 5B

Tony Wisniewski (R)

District 6A

Lori McCann (R)

District 6B

Brandon Mitchell (R)

District 7A

Kyle Harris (R)

District 7B

Charlie Shepherd (R)

District 8A

Rob Beiswenger (R)

District 8B

Faye Thompson (R)

District 9A

John Shirts (R)

District 9B

Judy Boyle (R)

District 10A

Mike Moyle (R)

District 10B

Bruce Skaug (R)

District 11A

Kent Marmon (R)

District 11B

Lucas Cayler (R)

District 12A

Jeff Cornilles (R)

District 12B

Jaron Crane (R)

District 13A

Brent Crane (R)

District 13B

Steve Tanner (R)

District 14A

Ted Hill (R)

District 14B

Josh Tanner (R)

District 15A

Steve Berch (D)

District 15B

Dori Healey (R)

District 16A

Soñia Galaviz (D)

District 16B

Annie Haws (D)

District 17A

John Gannon (D)

District 17B

Megan Egbert (D)

District 18A

Ilana Rubel (D)

District 18B

Brooke Green (D)

District 19A

Monica Church (D)

District 19B

Chris Mathias (D)

District 20A

Joe Palmer (R)

District 20B

James Holtzclaw (R)

District 21A

James Petzke (R)

District 21B

Jeff Ehlers (R)

District 22A

John Woude (R)

District 22B

Jason Monks (R)

District 23A

Chris Bruce (R)

District 23B

Shawn Dygert (R)

District 24A

Clint Hostetler (R)

District 24B

Steve Miller (R)

District 25A

Vacant

District 25B

David Leavitt (R)

District 26A

Mike Pohanka (R)

District 26B

Jack Nelsen (R)

District 27A

Douglas Pickett (R)

District 27B

Clay Handy (R)

District 28A

Richard Cheatum (R)

District 28B

Dan Garner (R)

District 29A

Dustin Manwaring (R)

District 29B

Tanya Burgoyne (R)

District 30A

David Cannon (R)

District 30B

Ben Fuhriman (R)

District 31A

Jerald Raymond (R)

District 31B

Rod Furniss (R)

District 32A

Stephanie Mickelsen (R)

District 32B

Wendy Horman (R)

District 33A

Barbara Ehardt (R)

District 33B

Marco Erickson (R)

District 34A

Jon Weber (R)

District 34B

Britt Raybould (R)

District 35A

Mike Veile (R)

District 35B

Josh Wheeler (R)

Republican Party (60)

Democratic Party (9)

Vacancies (1)

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 2, 2024

[1]

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Colton Bennett

Contents

Biography

Elections

2026

General election

General election for Idaho House of Representatives District 6A

Endorsements

2024

General election

General election for Idaho House of Representatives District 6A

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Idaho House of Representatives District 6A

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Idaho House of Representatives District 6A

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

2024

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2026 Elections

2025 Elections

Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

Services

Additional analysis

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