SANDPOINT — Retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Roger Rudd has announced his intent to run for Bonner County Clerk. 

Centering his campaign on discipline, transparency and strong financial stewardship, Rudd said he believes his 30 years of Marine Corps experience will allow him to juggle the multiple roles within the county clerk position. 

“The Clerk’s office has about 40 people that work across five different departments, where they manage multi-million-dollar budgets, handle sensitive and confidential documents and, you know, do so with absolute integrity, and run complex public processes under scrutiny,” Rudd said. “I did similar work for 30 years in the Marine Corps, so I think I’ll be able to transition perfectly well into it.”  

Rudd said he hopes to continue the steady accountability and responsible stewardship that current Clerk Michael Rosedale has provided during his 12 years in office. He further attributes his decision to run after learning about the position from Rosedale, which he was later personally endorsed by when Rudd filed for candidacy.  

“When I filed on March 2, I made a clear commitment to the people of Bonner County,” Rudd said. “That commitment is to maintain accurate records, ensure transparent audits, and uphold responsible budgeting. These are principles I’ve lived throughout my career, and they will guide my service as clerk.” 

Also a licensed real estate agent and business owner, Rudd said his experience handling contracts, property records and financial operations have positioned him well to oversee the clerk’s office.  

If elected, Rudd said his priorities would lie in keeping elections secure and transparent, ensuring that public records are handled with professionalism and are accessible.  

“I want to thank Clerk Mike Rosedale for his dedicated service to Bonner County,” Rudd said. “His endorsement is an honor, and I deeply appreciate the confidence he has placed in me. Mike has served this county well, and I look forward to continuing the strong tradition of public service he has upheld.” 

When discussing election procedures, Rudd said his familiarity with the position comes from being a voter, in addition to his work as a precinct committeeman and his role as a co-captain for the recent presidential caucus.  

If selected as the Republican nominee in the primary, Rudd plans to shadow the clerk’s office and the deputies of the clerk’s department to become familiar with the day-to-day tasks of the clerk’s position.  

A North Idaho resident since 2006, Rudd and his family enjoy the “North Idaho way of life,” working with horses, supporting youth 4-H, and spending time with family through hiking, hunting and fishing activities. 

Rudd’s name will appear on the ballot during the May 19 primary elections for county clerk, alongside Spencer Hutchings and JoAnne Guzzi.