Sharing With You

Zito for Idaho

I love serving Legislative District 8. We have the largest geographical district in the state, four counties, each very different in character, yet united by people who deeply love Idaho and this country. It is an incredible honor to serve as your senator.

As I shared in my previous Substack, the campaign environment this election cycle has been as dirty and blatantly dishonest as I have ever seen.

Today, I want to change the tempo a bit and simply share what a week in my life looks like, as your senator and as a candidate.

Last Friday evening, the Valley County Central Committee hosted a political forum in McCall. But that wasn’t where my day began. I was in Boise by 8 a.m. to appear on the Great Idaho Show, hosted by Dylan Stocker. The podcast is recorded at his business, one of the most fascinating gun stores I’ve ever visited, all vintage, with so much more.

From there, I headed to the Capitol, where I had the honor of giving a tour to the 40 & 8 Great Western States Promenade, hosted by Voiture 366 Grand du Idaho. This group is made up of veterans who continue their service by preserving an incredible piece of history.

After World War II, Americans sent vital aid to a devastated Europe aboard what became known as the Friendship Train, hundreds of railcars filled with food, clothing, and supplies. In response, the people of France organized a deeply personal gesture of gratitude. In 1949, they sent the Merci Train, 49 historic “40 & 8” boxcars, one for each state at the time, with one shared.

These were not symbolic artifacts; they were the same rugged railcars used in both world wars to carry troops and prisoners. Inside were gifts from more than six million French citizens: handwritten letters, toys, family heirlooms, and even wedding dresses. This was not a government gesture; it was ordinary people thanking ordinary Americans.

Today, many of those boxcars still exist across the country, preserved in museums and communities that understand their significance. They are not maintained by the federal government, but by veterans’ groups, historical societies, and volunteers. Some were lost to time and rediscovered decades later. Here in Idaho, they are cared for by a dedicated group of veterans known as the 40 & 8.

From there, I traveled to McCall for the forum. I always enjoy visiting Valley County; its beauty is striking in a way entirely different from that of Elmore County, where I live.

Representative Faye Thompson and her husband graciously offered me a place to stay that evening. The next morning, we headed to Challis, the county seat of Custer County.

The Custer County Central Committee hosted its Lincoln Day Lunch at Living Waters Ranch. Custer County is rich in mining, tourism, and forestry. It is the least populated county in our district—and that’s part of what makes it so special.

That evening, I was in Idaho City for the Boise County Lincoln Day Dinner. The hall was filled to capacity. Boise County is home to mining, grazing, forestry, and timber, as well as rivers and some of Idaho's most beautiful mountain landscapes. One has to mention the robust political support among the committee's members.

Monday through Thursday were spent on the less visible but equally important parts of the job: addressing constituent concerns, sending thank-you cards, and placing campaign signs.

One of the most meaningful parts of serving is meeting one-on-one with the people I represent. It’s not uncommon for those conversations to last hours. People want to be heard. They want to know someone is listening and that they matter. The most important part of this job never makes the news.

That’s something I learned in a profound way during COVID. I have received calls in the middle of the night from families with loved ones in hospitals and care facilities, people spending their final moments separated from those they loved. The heartbreak of those conversations is something I will never forget. The feelings of helplessness, injustice, and sorrow stay with you.

We are now just a few weeks away from Election Day. There are many long days ahead, forums, cottage meetings, meet-and-greets, and yes, plenty more signs to put out.

I remain grateful—for the opportunity to serve, for the people of District 8, and for the trust you have placed in me.

If you believe in this work and want to help keep it going, I would be honored to have your support—whether that’s through a contribution, a conversation with a neighbor, or simply sharing this message.

And most importantly, I ask for your vote in the upcoming election.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you. With grit, faith, and unwavering resolve,

God bless,

Senator Christy Zito,
Idaho State Senate
District 8,
Protecting Freedom for Future Generations

P.S. If you haven’t already, subscribe to my Substack (zitoforidaho.substack.com) for straight talk from the Capitol and updates you won’t get from the mainstream press. Let’s stay connected and stay strong. See you at the polls on May 19!

---