The conservative movement took a hard hit in the 2026 Idaho primary. The good news is that we can learn from it and rebuild stronger, but it’s going to take time, resources, and real intestinal fortitude.
We start with one of the few bright spots: in the north, Scott Herndon reclaimed his Senate seat from RINO Jim Woodward. In that same district, Jane Sauter defeated RINO gun‑control advocate Rep. Mark Sauter (no relation).
Additionally, Sen. Christy Zito, Rep. Clint Hostetler, and Rep. Kent Marmon were hit with vicious attacks and outright lies, not just from the RINO establishment, but from radical leftists, including self‑described satanists and “witches,” who openly celebrated hardline conservatives losing their races. Thankfully, the three of them survived the onslaught.
The real target this year, though, was clearly the “Gang of 8.” Leftists and the RINO establishment unleashed a torrential downpour of lies and deceit to take out five of the most conservative lawmakers in the state.
They even went so far as to destroy the livelihood of Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld by mobilizing Big Dairy against her family, mirroring the kind of retaliatory tactics frequently deployed by far-left activists.
In 14 years of day‑to‑day activism in Idaho, I’ve never seen the establishment and the left campaign like this. And if anything, it proves the system is broken. If we want to keep Idaho from becoming Colorado or California, major changes are needed; not someday, but now.
First, the Idaho Republican Party has to mobilize and fight differently. It was obvious from the satanist and witch page, in addition to many other liberal Facebook groups, that crossover voting from radical leftists is massive. In districts like Twin Falls, their goal was to help RINOs take out conservative lawmakers. They organized in the open, and the Idaho Republican Party stood by silently and watched it happen.
The party must speak out and fight back against Democrats who are doing this in large numbers, and for many years, the party has done very little. The “closed primary” clearly isn’t stopping the party from being misrepresented at the ballot box.
In an Op-Ed today, Chairwoman Dorothy Moon said,
“Now it’s time for Idaho Republicans to stand together to defeat the left-wing Democrats who threaten our time-tested values of faith, family, and freedom, as well as their initiative to legalize abortion until birth.”
While we agree that stopping the abortion initiative is a critical fight — one that Honor Idaho will be leading — the real battle with Democrats largely ended on May 19. That’s where they’ve already done the most damage. Idaho has very few true “swing” legislative districts, which means the decisive fight isn’t in November, it’s in the Republican primary, where Democrats have learned to exploit the system and influence outcomes. That’s where conservatives must focus their energy if we want to protect Idaho’s values.
I’ve said for a long time now that there’s a solution, one that the RINOs absolutely hate. Republicans who fear accountability hate it.
But if we want to stop the party and the Capitol from turning purple or blue (and I’d argue we’re already purple), we need to move to a caucus system. A caucus allows for deep vetting and helps the party root out people who don’t belong, including crossovers.
Second, if we want to stop Idaho from becoming a leftist nightmare, we need a serious discussion about ballot initiatives. Idaho is about to decide whether abortion up until birth is acceptable. In Idaho, of all places.
Leftists will keep ramming these initiatives down our throats unless the party and lawmakers finally stand up and end this nightmare. It’s the only way.
In the meantime, while we figure out if the Idaho GOP is going to abolish them, and that seems unlikely in the near future, we have to create the infrastructure to fight them, which is exactly what Honor Idaho is doing.
Third, we need candidates who know how to campaign and fight back. Candidates have to know how to raise money, how to spend it effectively, and staying on-message while dealing with a barrage of lies and distortions.
We must train candidates better and recruit people who understand that the 2028 election begins now. There is no break. Liberal Republicans and the satanist crowd are already planning the demise of the remaining G8, and then they’ll target any Republican they consider “too conservative.”
Fourth, the GOP must put its metaphorical foot on the throats of our political enemies. GOP leaders are too scared, or too liberal, to ram the most conservative legislation in the country down the throats of Democrats and the elite class in this state.
There is zero excuse for this. From guns to immigration reform, we should be doing all of it, as aggressively as possible, every single session.
“But Greg, there just isn’t the will to do the hard bills in the Capitol.”
If that’s true, and I believe it is, what does that say about the Idaho Republican Party? What does it say about how they completely misunderstand the fight we’re in? And how does that failure keep the electorate asleep?
Ask yourself, if the Democrats could openly control our capitol, would there be any mercy for gun rights, babies, or any other value we hold dear? Not a chance. And you only have to look at Virginia as the most recent example of how Democrats will come for you once they have power.
Why is the Idaho Republican Party and our elected Republican officials not doing the same to the Democrats?
Idaho needs a reckoning. And unless conservatives change how we fight, the Gem State Heist will be completed sooner than anyone thinks.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on HonorIdaho.com, and is republished here with the author’s permission.
(U.S. State Department Press Release, May 21, 2026)
The following is the text of a joint statement by the Arctic Allies: Canada, Kingdom of Denmark including Greenland and the Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the United States of America:
Recognizing the security challenges and economic opportunities in the Arctic and the High North, the Arctic Allies met to discuss our efforts to build a secure and prosperous region.
The Arctic is quickly becoming a sphere of increasing geopolitical strategic importance. With Russia’s increased military activity and China’s growing strategic interest, we seek to bolster stability in the Arctic region.
We are enhancing our military presence, surveillance capabilities, and joint training in the Arctic and the High North. We do so in a coordinated and calibrated way.
We support NATO’s increased presence in the region through activities such as Arctic Sentry, Air Policing in Iceland, and Forward Land Forces Finland, as well as the ongoing strengthening of the Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, a new CAOC in Norway and the ongoing modernization of NORAD.
Today, we have agreed to deepen our dialogue on security challenges in the Arctic and the High North.
With new opportunities opening up, and new challenges emerging, close cooperation on Arctic security and economic development among our nations is more important than ever – as Europe and Canada are assuming a greater responsibility for deterrence and defense across the region.
We also recognize the importance of economic and resource development in the Arctic and have tasked our experts to coordinate more closely on these issues, including research security, investment screening, and critical infrastructure modernization and protection.
We look forward to continuing to work together to achieve our common goal of a secure, prosperous, and peaceful Arctic.
(National Park Service Press Release, May 21, 2026)
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ — Grand Canyon National Park today announce it has reopened the North Rim for the 2026 summer season, following the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire. Visitors can once again experience the North Rim’s overlooks, trails and visitor services.
“As families and visitors travel to the Grand Canyon National Park over Memorial Day weekend, the National Park Service is committed to ensuring they can experience its extraordinary scenery, recreation and heritage safely and responsibly,” said Jessica Bowron, comptroller exercising the delegated authority of the Director of the National Park Service. “We appreciate the tremendous work of park staff and partners to restore access to the North Rim for the 2026 season and help visitors once again enjoy this iconic landscape.”
All paved roadways within the park are open, including Highway 67, Cape Royal, and Point Imperial Roads. The entire North Kaibab Trail reopened May 15 for foot traffic only; stock use is suspended for the season. Trail maintenance and rehabilitation work will continue along the North Kaibab Trail throughout the 2026 season. Hikers should anticipate temporary trail closures or delays while crews continue to repair the trail.
“The North Rim remains one of the most extraordinary places in the National Park System, and we are pleased to welcome visitors back for the 2026 summer season,” said Superintendent Ed Keable. “As recovery work continues following the Dragon Bravo Fire, we encourage visitors to plan ahead, travel safely and experience this remarkable place responsibly.”
Visitors hiking the upper North Kaibab Trail between Supai Tunnel and the North Kaibab Trailhead should use increased caution while traveling through areas affected by the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire burn scar. Burned landscapes can increase the risk of flash flooding, debris flows, rock falls, erosion, and falling trees, particularly during monsoon storms or periods of heavy rain. In cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, Grand Canyon National Park has expanded flash flood monitoring and emergency preparedness efforts throughout the Bright Angel Creek watershed, including the installation of new stream and precipitation gages and enhanced visitor notification systems. Hikers are encouraged to monitor weather conditions closely and heed all posted warnings.
Cottonwood Campground reopened on May 15, offering an overnight option for hikers traveling along the North Kaibab Trail. Backcountry use will be permitted in most areas of the North Rim. The Backcountry Information Center will provide the most up-to-date information on closures, conditions, and overnight permit availability.
The North Rim General Store is open daily through Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering grab-and-go food, dry goods, bottled water and limited supplies. The nearby gas station is also open daily and provides unleaded and diesel fuel through pay-at-the-pump service.
Potable water will not be available anywhere on the North Rim during the 2026 season, including at the North Kaibab Trailhead and Supai Tunnel. Visitors must bring all drinking water needed for their visit and hikes.
The North Rim Campground is expected to reopen for tent and RV camping, minus hookup availability, once conditions allow. An opening date will be announced when confirmed, and campsite reservations will be available on recreation.gov.
Stage 2 fire restrictions went into effect on the North Rim on May 15 and will remain in place for the duration of the 2026 season due to high fire danger. Campfires, warming fires, charcoal grills and outdoor smoking are prohibited, except within enclosed vehicles. Liquid petroleum or LPG-fueled devices, such as camp stoves and lanterns, are permitted only when used in an area cleared of flammable materials. Fireworks and other incendiary devices are always prohibited on public lands.
Visitors are encouraged to check the park website for the latest updates before traveling to the North Rim. For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/grca/northrimstatus.htm.
Starting Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the City of Pocatello Water Department will begin replacing the water main line on East Putnam Street from South 1st Avenue to South 5th Avenue.
Construction will require temporary street closures and parking restrictions from 6:30 a.m. to approximately 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Every effort will be made to provide local access to properties during construction. Residents are asked to park vehicles away from the work zone during construction hours. Access to all properties will be restored at the end of each workday.
The project may cause short-term disruptions to water service. Residents in and around the construction area are encouraged to keep a supply of drinking water available.
Parents and guardians are asked to remind children to stay a safe distance from the construction zone due to safety hazards.
Construction is expected to take approximately four weeks to complete; however, the schedule may change due to unforeseen conditions.
Residents with questions about this or other Water Department projects can contact the department at 208-234-6182. For additional information, visit pocatello.gov/water.
Dorothy Moon, Chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party
Primary elections are a great American tradition. Every two years, Republican voters in Idaho head to the polls to decide our slate of legislative candidates for the general election. We now have a slate of 102 candidates for the Legislature, each having won a majority of the vote in their district.
It’s something of a paradox: powerful figures, including the governor, the attorney general, and even our state’s chief elections officer, the secretary of state, all lent their money and time to legislative campaigns, hoping to build a team geared toward their specific purposes. Yet to do that, they had to convince rank-and-file Republican voters in each of Idaho’s 35 legislative districts. Ultimately, the choice was up to the voters, and voters make decisions for their own reasons. Sometimes they evaluate candidates based on legislative scorecards, ideological position statements, or voting records. Other times, they choose based on who comes across as the more authentic person, or who took the time to knock on their door.
I want to recognize Rep. Rob Beiswenger from Horseshoe Bend, who represents the House district I was privileged to serve for three terms. After losing by 6% in 2022 and winning by 8% in 2024, Rob won again this week by an amazing 36%. He works hard, keeps his promises, and helped pass the best medical freedom bill in America. In an era when obnoxious rhetoric often drives people away from politics, Rob is a breath of fresh air, and I’m proud our district gave him a well-deserved reelection.
Rep. Cornel Rasor is another legislator who has served his district well. I’ve known Cornel for years through his volunteer work and service as parliamentarian at Republican meetings. He has a gift for explaining conservative principles clearly and persuasively. This year, he carried legislation to protect women and girls in private spaces after listening to concerns raised by a constituent in Sandpoint. Cornel expanded his margin of victory from 4% in 2024 to 26% this week. I tell you what: voters love it when elected officials actually follow through on their promises.
I also want to thank Rep. Jordan Redman, who, despite facing no opposition, gave generously of his time and resources to help conservative candidates across the state. In a political world dominated by corporate lobbies and special interests, that kind of commitment stands out. Jordan is exactly the type of leader Idahoans are looking for right now.
Now it’s time for Idaho Republicans to stand together to defeat the left-wing Democrats who threaten our time-tested values of faith, family, and freedom, as well as their initiative to legalize abortion until birth. I’m confident that, this November, Idahoans will once again affirm the same principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that motivated our Founding Fathers 250 years ago.
(National Park Service Press Release, May 21, 2026)
WASHINGTON — This Memorial Day, the National Park Service invites Americans to spend time in the places where our nation’s stories of service, sacrifice and remembrance live on.
With more than 400 national park sites across the country, there are countless ways to spend Memorial Day in places that connect us to America’s history, ideals and enduring spirit.
(Attorney General’s Office Press Release, May 21, 2026)
BOISE, ID — Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced [Thursday] that the legal challenge to Idaho’s school privacy law has come to an end after the plaintiffs agreed to voluntarily dismiss both their district court case and their Ninth Circuit appeal. The case, Sexuality and Gender Alliance v. Critchfield, targeted Idaho’s law protecting sex-specific spaces in K-12 public schools, including locker rooms, showers, restrooms, and overnight accommodations.
In March 2023, the Idaho Legislature passed Senate Bill 1100, requiring students in Idaho public schools to use bathrooms, locker rooms, showers, and overnight facilities corresponding to their biological sex. The law also requires schools to provide single-occupancy accommodations for any student who prefers not to use a multi-occupancy facility. Shortly after passage, a student and the Sexuality and Gender Alliance filed suit, claiming the law violated the Equal Protection Clause, Title IX, and the right to privacy.
In October 2023, U.S. District Judge David Nye denied the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction, agreeing with Attorney General Labrador’s arguments that SB 1100 is substantially related to the government’s important interest in protecting the privacy and safety of students. The plaintiffs appealed to the Ninth Circuit, which unanimously affirmed the district court in March 2025, finding that protecting students’ bodily privacy is a legitimate government interest and that the law violated neither the Equal Protection Clause nor Title IX.
The plaintiffs have now agreed to drop the case entirely.
“From the district court to the Ninth Circuit, we defended Idaho’s right to protect students’ privacy in bathrooms and locker rooms,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Idaho families can be confident that this law is fully in effect and will remain so.”
Each side will bear its own costs and fees under the stipulation.
If you’re heading out to enjoy the warm Memorial Day weekend along the Snake River, Idaho Power wants you to know how to stay safe near dams. It’s also National Safety Boating Week — another reminder to stay safe on the water.
Idaho Power says boaters, swimmers, and recreators should use special caution around their 17 hydroelectric projects located along the Snake River and its tributaries.
To learn more safety tips and where you can borrow a life jacket, visit idahopower.com/safety.
May 20, 2026 (Cover Image Credit: Gem State Chronicle)
Making Sense of the 2026 Idaho GOP Primary
By: Brian Almon
Gem State Chronicle Publisher Brian Almon
Results were still coming in Tuesday night as I drove home from the Idaho GOP watch party. Rural counties continued reporting big vote totals, and some races came down to the wire. There are some big takeaways from this primary election, and here are just a few off the top of my head:
Idaho is becoming more geographically polarized. The moderate holdouts in the Panhandle went down in defeat, but conservative challengers in the east were still unable to make any gains.
Rep. Jordan Redman took heat for donating his own money to the cause, but it might well have turned the tide in the north.
The governor’s machine is strong, but not all-powerful. He and his allies were able to save figures like Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen, Rep. Rick Cheatum, and Sen. Jim Guthrie, but were unable to make any headway in Canyon County or the Panhandle.
Hard work was rewarded. Good men such as Reps. Cornel Rasor, Kyle Harris, Steve Tanner, and Chris Bruce, each of whom won very close races in 2024, were reelected by large margins yesterday. Each of them put their heads down and worked hard for their constituents over the past two years.
Immigration enforcement is probably on the back burner for the next two years. Guthrie and Mickelsen, the chief opponents of immigration reform, held on, while Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld, who became emblematic of the problem when Big Ag conspired to shut down her family business, lost.
The Gang of 8 is now the Gang of 3, while Idaho Freedom Caucus held all its races and is likely set to expand. Is it time to unite as one conservative caucus heading into 2027?
It’s time for new blood. I count nine former legislators who tried to make a comeback this year, but only one—Scott Herndon—was successful.
After sleeping on it and doing some analysis this morning, I could probably write ten thousand words covering each of these angles, but I’ll try to break it up into small chunks over the next few days.
For now, let’s just take some of the most contested races one at a time and I’ll share my initial thoughts.
Sen. Jim Risch cruised to reelection despite three tenacious challengers. This went about as I expected—I surmise that there will always be at least 1/3 of the electorate who will vote against the incumbent in any situation.
Congressman Russ Fulcher ran far ahead of the rest of Idaho’s congressional delegation. Voters in congressional district 1 fully support his work.
Congressman Mike Simpson continues to survive. His 63.31% is his highest primary total in six years. He has a lot of passionate opposition, but voters in the second congressional district continue to reward him for bringing home the bacon (or pork, as you will).
Gov. Brad Little was never in danger of losing this race, but I expected him to hit north of 65%. Hopefully he takes these results as a warning that he is not immortal, and that he still must work within a conservative state. Mark Fitzpatrick’s mark of nearly 29% is impressive considering his truncated campaign and limited fundraising. Janice McGeachin campaigned for nearly a year and raised three times as much but only hit 32.2%.
I spoke to the once and future state senator Scott Herndon this morning and he said he was confident of victory as soon as he saw early returns only barely favoring Sen. Jim Woodward. Those two have now competed in four of the past five primaries in district 1, each winning two victories. I believe that Herndon was not only one of the most conservative legislators in the 2023-24 sessions, but one of the most effective, and having him back in office is a game changer.
Herndon ran together with Jane Sauter and Rep. Cornel Rasor, which means LD1 has a conservative trifecta for the first time in recent memory. Sauter combined with Spencer Hutchings for just a hair over 50% last time, and this year she was able to overcome Rep. Mark Sauter (no relation). Rep. Cornel Rasor won a slim race against Chuck Lowman in 2024 for an open seat, but voters rewarded his hard work and solid conservatism with a huge victory last night.
One of the only contested races in Kootenai County was a referendum on whether that region was still conservative, or would it support a proud Biden/Harris fangirl. Early returns showed this race too close for comfort, but Election Day voting gave Rep. Elaine Price a surge and she won comfortably.
Terrific results out of district 6. Keep in mind that this is one of four districts in Idaho that are contested between Republicans and Democrats, so nothing is certain yet. However, it is great to see Colton Bennett with the victory that was snatched away in 2024 due to a third candidate splitting the vote. I won’t miss Rep. Lori McCann, one of the most liberal members of the House GOP caucus.
I was critical of the way in which Sen. Dan Foreman pulled the rug out from under supporters of the bill to prohibit taxpayer subsidies for teacher’s unions, but there’s no question he has the support of his voters. When it came to choosing between him or McCann, they stuck by him.
Like Rep. Rasor, Rep. Kyle Harris proved that if you earnestly work hard for your constituents, they will reward you, even in the face of big outside spending. Harris was down in early voting but pulled ahead for a very comfortable victory. Michael Collins benefited from a lot of money from PACs and special interests, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Harris, who won a slim contest for an open seat in 2024.
Rep. Charlie Shepherd continues to maintain support from his voters as well. 70% is a new high-water mark for him.
District 8 saw wholesale change in 2024, with three moderate lawmakers giving way to three conservatives. Sen. Christy Zito and Rep. Faye Thompson aligned with the Gang of 8 while Rep. Rob Beiswenger joined the Idaho Freedom Caucus. Zito held on against two former legislators but Thompson fell to Brian Beckley, former chair of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, who raised a massive amount of money from both individuals and special interests. (He also registered brianforidaho.com, for what that’s worth.)
Like Rasor and Harris, Beiswenger proved that honest hard work pays off. He carried the nation’s best medical freedom bill to fruition in 2025 and was rewarded with a second term.
District 9 saw all three incumbents win comfortably, with freshman Sen. Brandon Shippy leading all with a massive 84% of the vote. Gregg Diacogiannis had campaigned since even before the previous primary, and led all challengers, but Rep. Judy Boyle is a southwestern Idaho institution, and was always going to be tough to defeat.
Sen. Camille Blaylock barely defeated then-incumbent Chris Trakel in 2024, but since then has not only voted fairly conservatively but made a significant connection with Caldwell voters. Over the last two years she’s shown herself to be one of the most naturally gifted politicians I’ve seen in my time in Idaho.
The split between Gang of 8 members Reps. Kent Marmon and Lucas Cayler is striking. They voted very similarly, but have very different personalities. Perhaps there was something about their opponents that affect the race as well—Debbie Geyer clearly struck a chord that Carlos Hernandez did not.
Nampa loves Sen. Ben Adams. At just under 74% of the vote, this was by far the best primary showing of his career.
I know I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but Rep. Steve Tanner has again proved that constituents reward those who work for them. Kody Daffer got a big chunk of special interest money and an endorsement from the governor, but still could not clear 40%. Tanner went from a close victory in a three way race in 2024 to a solid reelection victory in 2026.
Sen. Scott Grow has maintained solid support in district 14 as he has steadily reformed the legislative budget process. The one third anti-incumbent vote was here for Mac Raslan.
Following his stunning victory over then Senate Pro Tem Chuck Winder in 2024, Sen. Josh Keyser earned two challengers. Though they dragged him under 50%, he still won by nearly 500 votes and will return for a second term.
One of the closest legislative elections of the night was in south Meridian, where former lawmaker Greg Ferch and machine darling Kelly Walton competed for the open seat vacated by the retiring Rep. John Vander Woude. Ferch ran a great race but fell just short.
Need I say it again? Like Reps. Rasor, Harris, and Tanner, Rep. Chris Bruce won a very close race in 2024 and then spent two years working diligently for his constituents. They rewarded him with a landslide over Melissa Durrant, who returned for a rematch following that close race two years ago.
I said before the election that I wouldn’t be surprised by any outcome, but I was wrong. I absolutely did not see Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld losing, and certainly not by the margin she did. Combine that with Rep. Clint Hostetler holding on for a comfortable victory, and Rep. Steve Miller taking third in his primary, and I just have to admit that district 24 boggles my mind. Hostetler defeated Alexandra Caval, who had previously challenged Zuiderveld in 2024 and lost convincingly. Perhaps, as in Caldwell, it came down to candidate personalities.
Twin Falls was a tough break for conservatives all around this year. In 2024, the Magic Valley Miracle saw Zuiderveld win reelection, joined by Reps. Hostetler and David Leavitt and Sen. Josh Kohl. Now, three of those four have lost reelection. Does this mean that Twin Falls is ideologically moderate, and 2024 was a fluke? Or is the region still figuring itself out, and could swing rightward again in two years?
Eastern Idaho was once again a firewall for the governor’s machine, though it took a lot more effort, money, and even a personal visit from Gov. Little himself to carry his people across the line. Sen. Jim Guthrie’s reelection astounds me, as I can’t believe that Republican voters in district 28 support his positions which have become indistinguishable from Boise liberals. Nevertheless, David Worley has proven that these eastern Idaho icons are not invulnerable.
The House race was a rematch from 2024, with both Rep. Rick Cheatum and James Lamborn improving their numbers at the expense of perennial candidate Mike Saville. Lamborn gained on Cheatum, having lost by 480 votes in 2024 but only 235 this year. Disappointing result, but again this shows that conservatives can potentially win in the east.
Rep. Tanya Burgoyne was a bright spot in Pocatello these past two years, and I’ll miss her in the Legislature. A 40-vote loss is heartbreaking.
I don’t know if this is better or worse than Julianne Young’s 4-vote loss to Rep. Ben Fuhriman two years ago. I thought she ran a terrific campaign and had a lot of support from conservatives statewide. For some reason, voters decided to send Fuhriman back for another term.
Karey Hanks’ latest comeback attempt fell short. Rep. Rod Furniss won by less than 300 votes in 2024, but this time he won by more than 1,600. It seemed that Furniss played it fairly quietly the past two sessions—no red flag law attempts, no talk of tampons on the House floor—which certainly didn’t hurt. In the end, institutional power is a tough nut to crack.
Kelly Golden improved on her 2024 numbers against Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen, turning a 1900-vote margin into a 900-vote span. Both Mickelsen and seatmate Rep. Erin Bingham won by about the same margin, showing again the institutional power of Big Ag and the governor’s machine in eastern Idaho.
Rep. Barbara Ehardt remains the lone bulwark of how I define conservatism out in eastern Idaho. The machine threw everything it had at her but she prevailed yet again. Ehardt is a very special and unique person, and I’m gratified she will return for another session.
Jilene Burger gained about one hundred votes on Rep. Marco Erickson, but still fell short. Combined with Ehardt’s victory, this shows that there is a demand for a liberty-focused candidate in Idaho Falls.
Former state representative Chad Christensen’s comeback attempt against appointed freshman Rep. Mike Veile fell short as well.
I’ll continue digesting these results and sharing my thoughts over the coming weeks. Most of last night’s victors will serve as our legislators in 2027, but those in districts 6 and 29 still face tough Democratic opponents in November. That means we won’t know the exact makeup of the Legislature—or what it means for committee assignments and leadership races—until the end of the year.
Earlier this year, I broke down the ideological makeup of the House of Representatives using two floor votes: H704, mandating E-Verify, and HJR7, repealing the Blaine Amendment. I took another look at those numbers in light of yesterday’s results and found that the generally conservative caucus went from 36 members to 35, while the liberal caucus increased from 12 to 14. While this represents a step back from the victories of 2024, we are still in a much stronger position than we were heading into that election just two years ago. I think this shows that Idaho is still trending conservative, but the moderate machine will not give up without a fight.
As always, we will learn as much as we can from these results and keep looking ahead. We must continue working to pass good policy and defeat bad bills during the 2027 and 2028 legislative sessions, while maintaining a long-term view of how our actions today will shape the Idaho our children inherit.
Running a campaign is not easy, and I appreciate every conservative candidate who stepped up to stand for election. Win or lose, our task remains the same: move forward with a positive vision for Idaho’s future.
Brian Almon is the Editor of the Gem State Chronicle. He also serves as Chairman of the District 14 Republican Party and is a trustee of the Eagle Public Library Board. He lives with his wife and five children in Eagle.
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Gem State Chronicle. I encourage our readers to visit their website and consider subscribing. Find this and other informative articles at the Gem State Chronicle here: About – Gem State Chronicle
BOISE, ID — Idahoans have officially surpassed 250,000 acts of service through the America250 in Idaho Service Challenge and will continue strong leading up to America’s 250th birthday on July 4.
Launched by the America250 in Idaho Ambassadors, the challenge invited Idahoans to serve their communities and log their efforts at IdahoKindness.com. Since January, volunteers of all ages have stepped up through food drives, school projects, veteran support, neighborhood cleanups, handmade donations, and countless acts of kindness across the state.
More than 45 statewide organizations partnered in the effort, alongside JustServe, helping connect volunteers with local needs.
So far, the movement has reached 166 Idaho cities, with Idaho Falls alone contributing almost 100,000 acts of service. Nearly 4,000 acts directly supported veterans and military families through care packages, cemetery flag placements, home projects, thank-you cards, visits to veterans in assisted living facilities, and community outreach.
“To reach 250,000 acts of kindness as we look toward America’s 250th anniversary is more than a celebration—it is a renewal of our promise to one another,” said Jessica Cooper Whiting. “When we look past the numbers, we see a movement that strengthened communities across Idaho and created a legacy of service that will outlast this celebration.”
Adding Idaho’s signature flair to the campaign was the patriotic mascot Martha-Tot Washingtater, inspired by Martha Washington’s Revolutionary War-era commitment to service. Martha-Tot became a statewide symbol of the campaign’s message: that even small acts of kindness can spark something revolutionary.
“This was never just about reaching a number,” said Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth. “It was about bringing Idahoans together, inspiring future generations, and showing the country what’s possible when kindness becomes a movement.”
Upcoming Regional Celebrations
To honor the volunteers, schools, and organizations driving this movement, regional celebration events will be announced soon across Idaho. Each event will recognize the individuals and communities helping build Idaho’s growing culture of service.
While the 250,000-act milestone has been reached, organizers say the momentum will continue. The America250 in Idaho “Year of Volunteerism” is helping establish a lasting spirit of service that will continue shaping Idaho communities long after America’s 250th birthday has passed.
