March 1, 2026
Pocatello–Last Friday was the filing deadline for the May Primary Elections. Here’s who will be on the local ballots:
Sixteen people are running for governor: eight Republicans, four Democrats, two Libertarians, one Constitution Party, and one Independent. The Republicans include incumbent Brad Little, Daniel Fowler, Ethan Files, Justin Plante, Lisa Marie, Mark Fitzpatrick, Ron James, and Sean Calvert Crystal. Democrat contenders are Chanelle Torrez, Jill C. Kirkham, Maxine Durand, and Terri Pickens. The two Libertarians are Melissa-Sue Robinson and Paul Sand. Pro-Life is running as a Constitution Party candidate, and John Stegner is running as an Independent.
No other statewide office will be on the primary ballots this spring; each seat will be contested in the general election in November.
Local politics should be quite busy in the lead-up to the primary, with contested races in every district and both parties:
District 28 Races (Power, Bannock and Franklin counties):
- Contenders for State Senate are Republicans David Worley and incumbent Jim Guthrie, and Democrats Mandy Peace and Rosann Mathews.
- James Lamborn, incumbent Rick Cheatum, and Mike Saville are running for House Seat A on the Republican ticket; the winner will face Democrat Kim Jackman.
- House Seat B will not be on the primary ballot.
District 29 Races (Bannock County):
- Neither Senate candidate has a primary opponent.
- House Seat A will not be on the primary ballot.
- Jennifer Miles and incumbent Tanya Burgoyne are running for House Seat B on the Republican ticket; the winner will face Democrat Nate Roberts.
District 30 Races (Bingham and Butte Counties):
- Ethan Neff and incumbent Julie VanOrden are running for Senate on the Republican ticket; the winner will face Democrat Joni Lin Sorensen
- House Seat A will not be on the primary ballot.
- Julianne Young and incumbent Ben Fuhriman are running for House Seat B on the Republican ticket; the winner will face Democrat Bree Buckingham.
District 35 Races (Teton, Bonneville, Bannock, Caribou and Bear Lake Counties):
- Neither Senate candidate has a primary opponent.
- Chad Christensen and incumbent Mike Veile are running for House Seat A on the Republican ticket; the winner will face Democrat Walter Boyd.
- House Seat B will not be on the primary ballot.
