Sen. Christy Zito Not Seeking Re-Election, Will Take Job with Idaho Second Amendment Alliance

Disclosure Note: Greg Pruett is the current President of the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance.

Sen. Christy Zito (R-Hammett) has announced that she will not seek re-election and will instead be taking a job with the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance later this year.

Idaho Dispatch sat down with Zito to discuss her time in the legislature and her future plans. Zito was first elected into office as a House member in 2016.

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The first question Idaho Dispatch asked Zito was, “What has been your biggest accomplishment as a legislator?”

There are two accomplishments that I am incredibly proud to have worked with the citizens of Idaho to get done, and I couldn’t put one above the other. First, Idaho has finally completed our Constitutional Carry law. It took a lot of pressure from gun owners to fix what was wrong with the 2016 law, and I was honored to stand with gun owners in leading that fight. The second issue was a pro-life bill that we passed in 2021. Again, we helped save the lives of pre-born children, which is something that I hold near and dear to my heart.

Idaho Dispatch’s second question for Zito was, “What was your biggest struggle as a legislator?”

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The realization of the disregard that some legislators have for the will of the people. It seems that too many of our legislators are worried about keeping their leadership roles or chairmanships over simply helping the people’s will become law. Too many of them feel that they know better than their constituents. Additionally, it is shocking and heartbreaking to see the depth of the influence of outside big money lobbyist groups that can be financially tracked back to Black Rock and Vanguard. Too much special interest money is used to influence our legislators when the only lobbyists they should be listening to are the people of Idaho.

The third question Idaho Dispatch asked Zito was, “What is one thing you wish you could have done that you were unable to do?”

It’s so hard to pick just one but I would say that I wish we could have abolished all abortions during my time as a legislator, more property tax relief, and I wish we could have gotten grocery taxes repealed. Tax on food and property taxes are a huge burden that are pricing so many families out of their homes and hurting them at the grocery store. The citizens need the relief immediately, but once again, good ideas kept getting held up by those in the legislature who feel they knew better than their own citizens.

Finally, Idaho Dispatch asked Zito, “What do you say to those who believe you may not be running because of a recent disagreement you had with Senate Majority Leader Kelly Anthon (R-Burley) and other members of Senate leadership?”

That has absolutely nothing to do with this decision. Discussions about this decision have been in the works for at least a year now. Standing up and doing the right thing has never bothered me. In my second week in the legislature, I stood up for Rep. Scott, who was kicked off her committee assignments. So, having disagreements and doing the right thing is something I have always done while here in the capitol. I will continue to stand for Idahoans when I begin my work with the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance. The timing is never good for these announcements, but I have been working on it for some time now.

In addition to Idaho Dispatch’s conversation with Zito, she also sent out the following Press Release. Note: Press Releases sent out by elected officials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of those at the Idaho Dispatch:

The following Press Release was sent out by Sen. Christy Zito (R-Hammett). Note: Press Releases sent out by elected officials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of those at the Idaho Dispatch.

Today I am announcing that I will not be running for a seat in the Idaho Senate. It has been a great honor and responsibility that I have not taken lightly to represent the citizens of District 23. I would find it just as much an honor to represent the good people of District 8. I made a promise when I first ran for office in 2016 that I would not homestead my place in the legislature, and I am fulfilling that promise.

After a lot of prayer and discussion with family and those who have been with me from the beginning of this journey, I have decided to take a position with the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance as the Executive Director later this year.

With the anti-second amendment attitude of the current administration, many governors, and legislatures across the country, I can further serve our state and country by making this change.

We have accomplished so much in this state by working together, not compromising on true principles, and standing firm for the principles of liberty. With the engagement of the citizens of this state, through a true grassroots effort, we have made Idaho the strongest Second Amendment friendly state in the country.

In addition to Second amendment work, I have been blessed to be involved in legislation that has saved the lives of babies. What can be more important than advocating for the preborn?

We are a country of faith. We hold to the principles of goodness and freedom granted to us by our Creator. I am so excited to move forward in this new chapter and continue fighting for freedom.