The Strength to Stand: Planning With Purpose, Acting in Unity, Trusting in Faith

A Message from the Gang of Eight

As we enter the final stretch of this legislative session, tensions are rising, distractions are increasing, and the pressure to compromise our principles has never been greater. For many of us, this is our first time feeling the full weight of this moment, but we knew from the beginning that this fight wouldn’t be easy.

We came to Boise to uphold the conservative values that Idahoans entrusted us to defend. We knew the opposition would be relentless. What we didn’t expect, at least to this extent, was pressure from within the Capitol itself—an entrenched power structure that resists change and protects the status quo. When the pressure mounts, the easiest path is to conform, give up ground, and hope to fight another day. But that’s not why we’re here.

A single thread is easy to break. A well-woven cord is strong, and together, we will remain unbroken.

We don’t have decades of legislative experience, but we have something just as important—conviction, courage, and a willingness to stand together. The final weeks of this session will test that, but we’re ready.

Planning With Purpose

Good policy doesn’t happen by accident. The left doesn’t just react, they plan years ahead, embedding their agenda into every institution they can reach. If conservatives don’t think the same way, we’ll always be playing defense.

That’s why we:
✔ Stick to our principles – We came here with a purpose, and we’re not losing sight of it now.
✔ Stay focused – We refuse to waste time on petty fights or distractions.
✔ Play the long game – The opposition thinks in years, not weeks. We need to do the same.

Standing Together

We don’t all see every issue the same way, and that’s okay. What matters is that when the fight gets tough, we don’t let division do the opposition’s work for them.

✔ We handle disagreements with integrity. Honest debate strengthens us, but we keep it in the room, not the headlines.
✔ We don’t let pressure divide us. When one of us is under fire, the others step in to defend them.
✔ We finish what we started. The last weeks of session are full of noise. We’re not getting distracted.

Rooted in Faith

Our strength doesn’t come from political strategy alone. It comes from standing firm in truth, seeking wisdom, and trusting that no victory or setback is outside God’s plan.

✔ We trust in God’s timing. The work we’re doing now will matter far beyond this session.
✔ We refuse to grow weary. When the fight gets tough, we press on.
✔ We fight differently. Without anger. Without fear. With conviction and perseverance.

The Final Stretch

We’ve come too far to start bending now. The pressure will increase, but so will our resolve.

A single thread is easily broken. But a cord woven with strength and purpose will endure.

As we push forward, we’re not standing alone. This isn’t just about one vote or one bill—it’s about the bigger picture. Some of us are digging deeper into how power operates in the Capitol, exposing how government expands, how leadership protects the status quo, and the battles behind the scenes. If Idahoans don’t recognize what’s truly happening, nothing will change.

That’s why these three members of our Gang of Eight are raising the alarm:

• Lucas Cayler, in The Expansion of the Police State in Idaho, breaks down a series of bills that expand government power, increase penalties, and weaken constitutional protections. While he fully supports law enforcement, he warns that unchecked government authority is dangerous and calls on Idahoans to pay attention before it’s too late.

• David Leavitt, in What if?, takes a step back to ask a bigger question – does anything really change, or is the system designed to keep the same people in power? He exposes how political leadership punishes those who challenge the status quo while rewarding those who go along. Whether in Idaho’s legislature or Washington, D.C., the pattern is the same – power comes first, and the people come second.

• Glenneda Zuiderveld, in Standing Strong, brings it all into focus with insights from inside the Idaho Legislature. She highlights tax cuts that don’t go far enough, out-of-control government spending, and the political games blocking real Medicaid reform. She also raises concerns about government competing with small businesses for workers, making it harder for the private sector to thrive. With the session winding down, she urges Idahoans to step up and hold their elected officials accountable.

If you care about Idaho’s future, don’t just watch from the sidelines—read, subscribe, and stay engaged. An informed citizenry is the strongest defense against government overreach.

In Liberty,

Senator Christy Zito, District 8
CZito@senate.idaho.gov

Senator Glenneda Zuiderveld, District 24
GZuiderveld@senate.idaho.gov
Substack: @glenneda

Senator Josh Kohl, District 25
JKohl@senate.idaho.gov
Substack: @joshkohl4idaho

Representative Faye Thompson, District 8
FThompson@house.idaho.gov

Representative Lucas Cayler, District 11
LCayler@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @lucascayler

Representative Kent Marmon, District 11
KMarmon@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @kentmarmon

Representative Clint Hostetler, District 24
CHostetler@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @theidahoresolve

Representative David Leavitt, District 25
DLeavitt@house.idaho.gov
Substack: @leavitt4idaho

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