Defend and Protect Idaho

Defend and Protect Idaho is a political action committee founded in May 2022 by retired Ada County Sheriff Gary Raney and a coalition of retired Idaho law enforcement officers, military veterans, faith leaders, small business owners, and farmers and ranchers who identify as lifelong Republicans. The PAC was created by people who believe in civility, common sense, and the rule of law in Idaho government, and who wanted to support candidates who share those values. The organization describes its mission as restoring principled conservative governance to Idaho politics and actively producing district-specific voter guides to help voters evaluate candidates on the issues. Defend and Protect Idaho represents a strand of Idaho Republican tradition rooted in public safety, rural community values, and pragmatic governance, drawing its leadership from Idahoans with decades of service to their communities in law enforcement, agriculture, and business.