ELECTIONS

News and insights about the candidates and issues on the ballots in 2026

Private school choice advocate tops lobbying expenditures, again

By Ryan Suppe | 04/23/2026

For the third time in four years, Idaho’s top-spending lobbying group is the American Federation for Children.

School districts to ask voters for $183 million on May ballots

By Emma Epperly | 04/22/2026

Inside: See what your district has on the ballot.

District 6: State rep challenges senator over communication concerns

By Emma Epperly | 04/22/2026

Rep. Lori McCann says Sen. Dan Foreman is unresponsive to constituents and refuses to collaborate. “I’m not even going to dignify that with a response,” Foreman said.

District 24: Bankruptcy lawyer challenges Twin Falls lawmaker over special education views

By Sean Dolan | 04/20/2026

Alexandra Caval said Magic Valley voters want a “course correction” after Rep. Clint Hostetler’s election two years ago.

District 33: Firefighter takes on education committee member who has targeted the LGBTQ community

By Sean Dolan | 04/15/2026

Rep. Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls, will face Republican newcomer Connor Cook in the May 19 primary election. She is seeking a fifth term.

‘Keep Idaho Idaho’: Little, Critchfield attend North Idaho Republicans’ America 250 celebration

By Emma Epperly | 04/09/2026

Six of Idaho’s statewide elected officials spoke at the event Thursday night at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. 

District 11: Retired Marine wants a rematch against first-term Senator

By Sean Dolan | 04/03/2026

After a close 2024 primary, Sen. Camille Blaylock and former legislator Chris Trakel are setting up another closely watched Republican contest.

District 16: Union organizer and early childhood advocate face off in Democratic primary

By Sean Dolan | 04/03/2026

District 16 is poised to have another public education advocate to replace outgoing Rep. Soñia Galaviz.

Feds sue Idaho over voter data

By Devin Bodkin | 04/02/2026

The lawsuit targeting Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane underscores deeper issues surrounding privacy vs. federal oversight.

District 1: ‘Mainstream’ senator, conservative former lawmaker gear up for fourth matchup

By Emma Epperly | 04/02/2026

Sen. Jim Woodward is seeking his fourth term in the Senate. Scott Herndon hopes to return to the chamber after losing to Woodward in the primary two years ago.