Chris Trakel

State Senator Legislative District 11

Biography and Background

I was born and raised in Idaho. I Joined the US Marine Corps in March 2001 as an infantryman. I served in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I retired in 2016. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Nicole, and we have 3 children. I was elected to Precinct Committeeman for 09-10 in 2020 and since then I have worked along side residents to promote adherence to the Constitution and our platform. I have established a monthly opportunity for residents of Canyon County to come and speak about issues they want addressed with our party and legislatures, I have helped write resolutions to ensure integrity and equality in our elections, I have argued on behalf of residents for property tax relief, protection of our natural rights, adherence to the Constitution, and less government control.

I am running for Senate, District 11 to give control of our government back to the people. Residents feel like they are being ignored as they have continued to see no relief in property taxes, lack of integrity in keeping promises, blocking residents from talking with their legislators, and big corporations dictating legislation. These past few years we have seen many legislators running in D11 sit by as Idahoans were arrested for going to church, prevented from seeing loved ones, and being told who was and was not essential. Now is the time to get our Idaho back and protect our way of life.

Top 3 Issues

Issue 1

Lower Taxes. Since 2006 Idaho has had a major tax shift from business to residents. This has placed an unequal burden on Idahoans as big corporations and developers receive multiple tax exemptions. Now, homeowners are facing more difficult restrictions to receive property tax relief and false legislation that pretends to fix the problem. The removal of the grocery tax is continuously stalled year after year. However, our legislators easily pass through tax breaks and tax exemptions for business while increasing local and state budgets and tax spending. Far too long the state and local governments have placed the tax bill almost entirely on residents, this practice needs to stop.

Issue 2

Protection of Rights. We have seen the rights of all Americans become restricted both by the federal government, state government, and local county and city municipalities. Our Idahoan government literally determined who amongst us was essential and who was not. Idahoans have been forced out of work and their self sufficiency to provide for their families stripped from them. We have had people arrested for attending church services or utilizing public parks. People have been discriminated against for personal and religious beliefs. Small businesses were forced to close and fail while big business were allowed to remain open and thrive. While this was happening, my opponent stood by and not only allowed this to happen but also demanded that everyone comply with what the government ordered. That is not the action of a representative of the people. I will maintain my loyalty to the residents of Idaho, and I will ensure that all our natural freedoms are protected.

Issue 3

Less Government Control. The government grows more intrusive into every aspect of our lives everyday. Government control has led to high taxes, unnecessary regulations, loss of choice, removal of parents from our children’s education, and so much more. Government was established by the people, for the people, not for control of the people. It is time we get government out of where it has no requirement to be and return that authority to ourselves.

Integrity in Affiliation

Submission: Yes

“I have read the Idaho Constitution and the Idaho Republican Party Platform. Except for the provisions specifically noted below, I support the Idaho Republican Party Platform and accept it as the standard by which my performance as a candidate and as an officeholder should be evaluated. I certify that I am not a candidate, officer, delegate or position holder in any party other than the Republican Party.”

Art 1, Sec 3 C: I do not believe in repealing the seventeenth Amendment, the people should retain the ability to choose their Senators.
Art 1, Sec 5 E: I support term limits.