Idaho’s Governor, Brad Little, is seen listening at the Western Governors’ Association gathering on Nov. 20, 2025, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Rebecca Noble/AP
In Idaho, voters in the primaries cast their ballots in important contests, notably the gubernatorial race and the trio of congressional races featured on the ballot.
Relevance to the State
This year, three of the four congressional positions in Idaho are being contested — one Senate position alongside both House seats — and all current officeholders are campaigning, each one facing challengers in the primaries.
Republican Senator Jim Risch is vying for a fourth tenure in the Senate. The chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee is confronted by three Republican primary rivals: Denny LaVe, Joe Evans, and Josh Roy. Risch made known his candidacy in April 2025, emphasizing an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
Republican Senator Mike Crapo, who is presently in his fifth term, is not seeking reelection at this time; his six-year term started back in 2023.
The Idaho State Capitol located in Boise, ID.Nick Fox/Adobe Stock
In the House, Republican Representative Russ Fulcher is running for a fifth term to continue representing Idaho’s 1st Congressional District, a role he has filled since 2019. He is competing against a duo of Republican challengers: Joseph P. Morrison, a Marine veteran, and Andy Briner, a farmer. Kenneth Brungardt, a retired painting contractor, along with Kaylee Peterson, previously the president of Idaho Young Democrats, have submitted Democratic campaigns. Peterson was defeated by Fulcher in 2022 and 2024.
Republican Representative Mike Simpson is running to secure a 15th term as representative of the 2nd Congressional District, a position he has held since 1999. He currently presides over the House Interior and Environment Subcommittee on Appropriations. Simpson is challenged by Republicans Brian Keene, a past educator, and Perry Shumway, a professional in marketing. Ellie Gilbreath is contending on the Democratic ticket.
Regarding the gubernatorial contest, Republican Governor Brad Little is seeking a third term in a state that saw Trump win by close to 40 points in 2024. He is facing off against seven other Republicans.
Chanelle Torrez, Maxine Durand, Terri Pickens, and Jill Kirkham are competing on the Democratic side.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com