Eagle is my home, and I want to make sure it remains one of the best places to live in Idaho. With decades of public service and legislative experience, I’m ready to listen, lead, and fight for our community’s future.

-Robert Gillis

MEET ROBERT GILLIS

My name is Robert Gillis. I am 54 years old, and I’ve been married to my wife and best friend for sixteen outstanding years. Together, we are raising three incredible children—two currently attending Boise State University and one beginning her journey as a freshman at Eagle High School. Our family is deeply rooted in this community, and we truly love calling Eagle our home.

Service has always been at the heart of who I am. I currently serve as President of Idaho Tough on Crime, where I work alongside state legislators and law enforcement professionals on law-and-order legislation. I am also a Board Member with CrimeStoppers of Idaho and a peer support team member for Courageous Survival, an organization that connects first responders, military veterans, and their families with vital mental health resources.

Before stepping into these roles, I dedicated over twenty-five years to a career in law enforcement, following more than five years in emergency medical services. While my law enforcement career has come to a close, my commitment to service has not.

I remain dedicated to giving back, staying involved, and helping to lead with integrity and heart. Eagle is our home, and I am committed to working to ensure it remains one of the best places in Idaho for families to live, work, and thrive.


My Priorities for Eagle

  • Guide Responsible Growth

    I respect the hard work of our current council, and I’m committed to building on that foundation by taking action to manage Eagle’s growth responsibly. I will fight to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with development while protecting the character and quality of life that make Eagle special.

  • Tackle Traffic Head-On

    Growth has brought traffic challenges that residents feel every day. I will actively work with ACHD on roadway projects and timelines, making sure Eagle has a strong voice at the table. I’ll also keep the community informed and engaged as these projects move forward.

  • Protect Taxpayers and the Budget

    I will work relentlessly with the mayor and council to keep Eagle’s budget balanced and fiscally responsible. That means being a watchdog for taxpayers—rooting out wasteful spending, protecting every tax dollar, and making smart investments in our future.

  • Support First Responders

    Having dedicated my life to service, I will always stand firmly behind our police, fire, and emergency personnel. Supporting those who protect Eagle will remain one of my highest priorities

  • Engage on Key Community Issues

    From the shooting and archery range, to the senior center, to the impacts of Avimor development, I will stay directly engaged—working with council, the mayor, and residents to find solutions that reflect Eagle’s values and priorities.

Public Safety & Service

I dedicated more than 25 years to law enforcement, specializing in criminal street gangs and organized crime, after first serving over five years in emergency medical services. During my career, I:

  • Served nearly 11 years as a Field Intelligence Officer on Incident Management Team 1, deploying to major wildfires and floods as a scout and fire department liaison.

  • Completed advanced training including Homicide Investigator School, Gang Investigator School, and Behavioral Analysis/Criminal Profiling at UCLA with the FBI.

  • Was recognized as a gang expert in court, and assigned to two federal gang task force investigations.

  • Earned Distinguished Service Awards and numerous commendations from chiefs, captains, and mayors.

  • Retired at the rank of Sergeant after a decorated career.

EXPERIENCE

Legislative Work & Advocacy

Since retiring, I have worked closely with state legislators to advance laws that protect Idaho families, schools, and communities. My efforts include:

  • School Safety (“Protect the Schools” Bill): Authored legislation to arm and train select faculty as a first line of defense against active shooter incidents. The bill passed the House but was blocked in the Senate (2024), and reintroduced in 2025 where it was stopped in committee.

  • Fentanyl Trafficking Bill: Authored and organized support for a bill to strengthen penalties on fentanyl trafficking. After direct advocacy with Senators, the bill passed and was signed into law.

  • Child Sex Abuse Death Penalty Bill: Drafted and testified for legislation instituting the death penalty in certain child sex abuse cases. After revisions and advocacy, it passed both chambers and was signed into law (2025).

  • Bolter-Stall Bill: Worked with law enforcement and families to enhance penalties for killing or attempting to kill peace officers. Testified in favor, though the bill was ultimately defeated.

  • HUD/Property Rights Bill: Testified to protect property owners from Boise’s low-income housing mandate. The bill passed and was signed into law.

  • HJR3/HJR4 Constitutional Amendments: Supported efforts to make it harder for ballot initiatives to legalize marijuana in Idaho; amendments passed both chambers.

  • Marijuana Advertising Ban: Testified for legislation to ban marijuana advertising. Failed in 2024, but passed in 2025 and became law.

  • Vehicle Pursuit Penalty Enhancement: Authored legislation to strengthen penalties for suspects fleeing law enforcement in vehicles, given the rising number of dangerous pursuits in the Treasure Valley.

“My motivation to serve Eagle comes from my love for this city, my home. I am committed to using my experience to protect our community, support our families, and ensure Eagle remains one of the best places to live in Idaho.”

VOLUNTEER

CONTACT