IDAHO FALLS — Two candidates with distinctly different paths to public service are squaring off in the May 19 Republican primary for Idaho House District 35A. Incumbent Mike Veile, a first-year legislator appointed to the seat in 2025, is defending his position against Chad Christensen, a former two-term state representative who hopes to return to Boise.
Veile was appointed by Gov. Brad Little after Kevin Andrus vacated the seat to accept a position as state director of the U.S. Farm Service Agency. Christensen previously held a House seat but lost a 2022 race to Josh Wheeler. District 35A covers a portion of East Idaho, and the primary outcome will likely determine the November general election result in the heavily Republican region.
Two Candidates, Two Backgrounds
Veile grew up in Rexburg and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Utah State University. He spent most of his professional life in heavy industry — working in elemental phosphorus production as an engineer and manager — before launching his own engineering firm. He and his wife have been married nearly 31 years and raised four children. His civic record includes service with the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Idaho Landowner-Sportsman Advisory Council, and the Soda Springs School Board, the latter of which he described as among his most meaningful experiences in public life.
Christensen is an Idaho Falls native who graduated from Skyline High School, completed an LDS mission in San Diego, and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Idaho State University, with earlier coursework at Ricks College. He served 12 years in the U.S. Army and built a career in law enforcement — working as a county probation officer, a state felony parole officer, a welfare fraud investigator, and a military police investigator. He is currently employed as a crane operator and works as a real estate agent. He has seven children, including two sons he described with particular pride — one of whom recently earned an academic scholarship to ISU.
Platform Priorities Reflect Conservative Values
Veile outlined four central priorities: supporting public education with local control and reduced regulatory burdens; protecting public access to Idaho lands and natural resources; backing critical Idaho industries including phosphates, nuclear energy, and semiconductor manufacturing; and maintaining fiscal discipline in state government. His platform reflects a vision of limited, efficient government that avoids unfunded mandates and encourages private-sector growth.
Christensen’s full platform response was not completely captured in available materials, but his background suggests a strong emphasis on law enforcement experience, military service, and traditional Idaho values centered on family, faith, and the outdoors. He expressed a deep connection to Idaho’s natural landscape and described public service as a personal calling rooted in those values.
Both candidates represent a conservative East Idaho constituency that prioritizes property rights, responsible resource management, and government accountability — themes central to the broader Idaho political landscape. Voters in District 35A will have a clear contrast to weigh: a politically appointed engineer with a background in industry and school board governance, versus a veteran and former lawman with prior legislative experience who lost his seat and is seeking a comeback.
The primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026. With no Democratic candidate expected to mount a serious challenge in the general election, the primary race is expected to be decisive.
Other contested races are on the ballot in Bonneville County this cycle as well. On the judicial side, voters will also weigh in on local bench races — 7th Judicial District Judge Steven Boyce has spoken publicly about his continued service on the bench, while Prosecutor Randy Neal has explained his decision to seek a judgeship in the same district.
What Comes Next
Polls open on May 19 for Idaho’s primary election. District 35A voters will choose between Veile and Christensen to advance to the November general election. Results are expected to be reported by county officials on election night. Bonneville County News will continue to follow local races as results come in.