Region I GOP Chairman, Bjorn Handeen, has announced his endorsement of Branden Durst for the Republican nomination for Idaho state superintendent of public instruction.

“I’ve been watching the superintendent’s race closely, but after the state board education chose to embrace liberalism in the form of an diversity, inclusion and equity policy, it is clear there is only one candidate who will fight for Republican principles and that is Branden Durst,” Handeen said.

When asked about the endorsement, Durst stated, “I appreciate Bjorn’s support of my candidacy. As a leader in the Republican Party, Bjorn has a vested interested in seeing our Party thrive and the fact that he believes I am best positioned to support Republican principles is a significant development.”

Durst is a former state senator running for state superintendent of public instruction. He is an Idaho native, husband, father of five and the co-creator of the Advanced Opportunities program.