A race on the right: What to know about Idaho’s 2026 primary elections | US Midterm Elections 2026 News
Idaho Primaries Among Six States Voting Tuesday
Idaho, a predominantly Republican state in the northwest, is set to participate in primary elections on Tuesday. The state’s political history is firmly established; since 1974, it has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate, and the last Democrat to hold federal office was U.S. Representative Walt Minnick, who served a single term before leaving office in 2008.
The significance of Tuesday’s primaries lies in their potential to shape the Republican Party’s future under the leadership of former President Donald Trump. Dynamics within the party are in sharp focus, with many primary races featuring contests between moderates and hardline conservatives. The winners are likely to have a strong advantage in the general election scheduled for November.
Poll Hours and Positions Available
Polling locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time (14:00 GMT to 02:00 GMT the following day).
Idaho, with a population exceeding 2 million, boasts two congressional seats and is also set to elect one U.S. Senator. On the state level, numerous key positions will be contested, notably the governorship.
Gubernatorial Race Overview
Incumbent Governor Brad Little, a 72-year-old rancher, is campaigning for a third term against seven challengers in the Republican primary. Among the challengers, only Ron James, a county commissioner, holds an elected office. Mark Fitzpatrick, a retired police officer and business owner, is considered Little’s strongest opponent, having significantly outpaced other challengers in fundraising and seeking county-level endorsements.
Fitzpatrick’s campaign reflects a more hardline stance than Little’s, criticizing the governor for alleged inaction on immigration issues and for permitting COVID-19 restrictions. Four candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination, with former public defender Terri Pickens leading in fundraising.
House of Representatives Candidates
Idaho comprises two congressional districts. In the first district, incumbent Republican Russ Fulcher faces two challengers, neither of whom reported significant funding as of late April. Kaylee Peterson leads the fundraising race for the Democratic primary in this district.
In the second district, long-serving incumbent Mike Simpson, who has held office since 1999, is pursuing his 15th term. Simpson’s campaign has received considerable financial support, totaling over $600,000. His challengers include Perry Shumway, who raised $5,291.98 by the end of April.
Senate Primary Contest
Former Idaho governor Jim Risch is seeking a fourth Senate term, having received an endorsement from Trump in January. Risch’s campaign has seen substantial funding, significantly eclipsing that of his three Republican challengers. Among Democratic contenders, only David Roth has reported significant contributions.
Significance of the Primaries
The upcoming primaries are poised to highlight divisions within the Republican Party, particularly as traditional conservatives face off against more extreme challengers. Trump’s influence in Idaho remains evident, with endorsements affecting incumbent candidates across the board.
While incumbents have shown favor with primary voters, the general election landscape may be complicated by independent candidates like John Stegner, who is seeking to disrupt the conventional two-party competition. Former State Representative Todd Achilles is another independent to watch, potentially challenging Risch in the Senate race.
As the primary elections approach, political analysts remain attentive to the evolving dynamics, noting that surprises could still occur on the ballots.
