Introduction
Russell M. Fulcher (born March 9, 1962) is a former Majority Caucus Chairman of the Idaho Senate and current Republican Candidate for Governor of Idaho in 2018. Prior to his decade of service in Idaho's 22nd Legislative District (Meridian), Fulcher spent 20 years travelling the world for several of Idaho's major tech companies. Fulcher grew up on a dairy farm in Meridian, and received both his Bachelor's and Master's degree in Business Administration at Boise State University.
Early life and career
A fourth-generation Idahoan, Russ Fulcher was born in Boise, Idaho and raised in Meridian, Idaho. He married Kara Fulcher and together they have three children, Meghan, Benjamin, and Nicole. Fulcher received both a Bachelor's and master's degree in Business Administration from Boise State University in 1984 and 1988 respectively. He also completed a course on Electronic Engineering through Micron Technology.
In 2005, Senator Fulcher was appointed by Governor Dirk Kempthorne to the Idaho State Senate representing Idaho's 22nd Legislative District, which encompasses large portions of Meridian and Kuna, to replace Jack Noble, who resigned after a conflict of interest. Fulcher was elected in 2006.
While a member of the Idaho legislature, Fulcher worked in the commercial real estate business. Prior to that, he logged 24 years in Idaho’s technology industry doing business in 47 countries. Fulcher spent much of that time working in international sales with Micron Technology.
Gubernatorial race
On November 23, 2013, Fulcher officially announced his intentions to run against incumbent governor Butch Otter in the 2014 Idaho gubernatorial election. Russ was endorsed by several notable conservative leaders in Idaho, including Congressman Raul Labrador. Fulcher lost a narrow race against Otter in the Republican Primary in May 2014. Russ announced his intention to run again for Governor of Idaho this September, following the announcement of Lt. Governor Brad Little in June.
Committees
Fulcher served on the following Committees:
- Senate Education Committee (Member)
- Senate State Affairs Committee (Vice-Chairman)
Awards and recognition
Fulcher has been honored as a recipient of the following awards:
- Idaho Chooses Life - 2008
- Fire Ops 101 (Certificate of Achievement)- 2009