In a recent interview on Newstalk 107.9, Larry Golden discussed his bid to unseat incumbent Representative Brit Raybould in Idaho’s District 34. Golden, a Navy veteran and former law enforcement officer, is positioning himself as a staunch conservative alternative for the Madison County district, which encompasses Rexburg, Sugar City, and unincorporated areas including Menan and Burton.
Golden, who previously challenged Raybould two years ago, cited several legislative actions during the most recent session as the catalyst for his return to the race. He expressed particular frustration with Raybould’s stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and her proposal to abolish the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Academy in Meridian. Golden argued that moving police training to Idaho State University would be detrimental to law enforcement, a sentiment he said is shared by local officers and his own son, who is currently in the police academy.
During the interview, Golden emphasized a “rule of law” approach to immigration, stating that illegal entry should not lead to state-funded benefits. While acknowledging that many farmers in Madison County rely on immigrant labor, he argued that the focus should remain on legal immigration pathways. He also voiced strong support for recent legislation that prohibits the use of taxpayer funds to collect teacher union dues, describing the move as a way to prevent unions from gaining a “stranglehold” on the state’s education system.
Social and cultural issues also formed a significant part of Golden’s platform. He defended the legislature’s focus on “bathroom bills” and restrictions on city flags, characterizing them as necessary battles to maintain traditional values and safety. Golden also reiterated his opposition to any form of marijuana legalization, including medical use, citing his experience as a narcotics officer in Washington state before moving to Idaho. On the topic of abortion, Golden stated he is 100% against the practice, including in cases of rape or incest, arguing that one heinous act should not be followed by another.
Reflecting on his campaign, Golden noted that unlike his previous run, he now has a full campaign team and significant local support. He stated his primary goal is to keep Idaho conservative and ensure that legislative decisions align with the values of his constituents.
