ELECTIONS
News and insights about the candidates and issues on the ballots in 2026
A complicated — and competing — network of outside groups has funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars into Tuesday’s legislative primaries. Let’s try to untangle the spider web.
Tuesday’s GOP primary represents yet another showdown between the Republicans’ mainstream and hardline factions. But the rift along the GOP’s right flank can’t be dismissed, either.
Several of the donations went to lawmakers who have sided with the U of I in its bid to buy the University of Phoenix.
It’s not unusual for a governor to endorse primary races, but Little hasn’t done it regularly in his two terms.
Right 2 Learn has received $90,000 from the Idaho Education Association’s political arm. The PAC has spent close to $70,000 in an attempt to oust state Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, the co-chair of the Legislature’s budget committee.
Rep. Lori McCann of Lewiston is defending her four-year record — and, to an extent, her committee’s record — in a three-person GOP primary.
Like in other GOP races, school choice separates the candidates. Nichols wants to spend public funds on private education, while Bishop is skeptical.
“If you’re a candidate or lawmaker who opposes school choice – you’re a target,” an American Federation for Children director told Idaho Education News. The group has spent close to $228,000, mostly on negative campaigning.
Secretary of State Phil McGrane’s office wants Retire Career Politicians to register as an Idaho political committee by Tuesday. The written request came Thursday — the same day Idaho Education News asked McGrane’s office for information about the group.
Independent groups are pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into the May 21 primary — mostly on negative ads and mailers.
