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Idaho has its Governor, a Senate seat, and both of its US House seats up for election.
Governor
The Republican incumbent Brad Little faced a contested race in his primary, including a challenge from the Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin who has Trumps backing. Brad Little managed to advance to the midterms.
Little will face the democratic challenger Stephen Heidt who ran unopposed in their own field.
The Republican incumbent is the strong favourite to win in this race.
Brad Little – R Incumbent
⦁ Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business from University of Idaho (1977).
⦁ Governor of Idaho since 2019
⦁ First represented District 11 via appointment to the vacant seat in the Idaho State Senate (2001-2009) – Served as Majority Caucus Chair during first full term.
⦁ Appointed to fill vacancy as Idaho’s Lieutenant Governor in 2009 and served until 2019.
⦁ Owns a cattle ranch in southwestern Idaho, managed by his son since 2009.
⦁ Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin has often complained that Little is not conservative enough. Common fueding points between them have been over coronavirus restrictions and the role of government.
⦁ McGeachin has also undermined Little’s authority a few times via executive orders while he has been out of State. One such happened last May when McGeachin issued an executive order banning mask mandates, despite no such mandate being in effect statewide anyway.
⦁ Little highlighted a good state economy and record income tax cuts under his governorship over the past two years.
⦁ Another highlight he has pushed is his Leading Idaho plan, a varied spending package that includes a record education spending increase, and spending on roads and bridges, the largest increase seen for transport.
⦁ Has signed bills prohibiting abortion after around 6-weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest and medical emergencies.
⦁ Has signed legislation that aims at thwarting executive actions made by President Joe Biden to combat gun violence.
⦁ Has signed anti-transgender bills into law.
⦁ Has not been in favour of legalising marijuana either for recreational or medical reasons. But has loosened THC restrictions for CBD and hemp products, although selling hemp products containing THC remains an offense.
Stephen Heidt – D
⦁ Served in the U.S. Army National Guard. and has worked as an educator.
⦁ Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations & Diplomacy from Brigham Young University (1986).
⦁ Bachelor of Arts in History and teaching certificate from Eastern Washington University (1990).
⦁ Wants to improve Idaho’s criminal justice system, making it more fair and uniform including fairer sentencing for the type of crime. Wants to ensure the constitutional right of a speedy trial. Supports and committed to idea of coomunity law enforcement and citizenry functioning as a partnership.
⦁ Will also focus on education – commits to full funding for all education in Idaho – preschool to college – wants to provide preschool to all families that need it. Will work toward tuition-free technical schooling, apprenticeships and postsecondary education, which includes but not limited to 2 and 4-year colleges. Commits to competitive teacher compensation, and protection of teachers right to organise for collective bargaining.
⦁ Wants to protect gun owner rights, supports background checks to keep guns out of the hands of violent offenders.
⦁ Supports cannabis for medical usage; wants to decriminalise hemp cultivation.
⦁ Supports fair and equal treatment regardless of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, immigration status, colour, race, ethnicity, age, or disability.
⦁ Supports tribal sovereignty.
⦁ Wants to repeal the grocery tax. Wants to implement a graduated corporate tax and fair share taxation for businesses.
⦁ Wants to create jobs via expanding industry, tech, clean energy, and sustainable practices.
⦁ Passionate about fair and equal treatment in the workplace, having a livable wage, equal pay for equal work. Wants to repeal right-to-work mandates. Supports workers’ rights to organise and engage in collective bargaining that is free from the interferance of businesses and government.
⦁ Passionate about affordable housing and ending homelessness in Idaho.
⦁ Wants to expand Medicare and Medicaid. Wants to increase access to mental healthcare services for drug and alcohol rehab.
⦁ Wants to reform election security and campaign finance.
⦁ Supports good stewardship and proper maintenance of the environment, switching to clean and renewable energy, and protecting Idaho’s pristine public lands.
Senate
For the Senate race in Idaho the Republican incumbent Mike Crapo faced a contested race in his field but easily managed to advance through to the Midterms. He will face Democratic challenger David Roth who advanced in his own contested field.
The Republican incumbent is the strong favourite to win in this race.
Mike Crapo – R Incumbent
⦁ Summa Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brigham Young University (1973)
⦁ Cum Laude Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School (1977)
⦁ Represented Idaho’s 32nd District in the Idaho Senate – 1984-1992
⦁ Became President pro tempore of the Idaho Senate in 1988.
⦁ Congressman representing Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District from 1993-1999.
⦁ Has been a US senator for Idaho since 1999.
⦁ Was arrested for DUI after running red light on December 2012 in Alexandria, Virginia. This was despite his claims of abstaining to alcohol due to his Mormon faith. Released from jail on $1,000 bond. Crapo made a formal apology on the incident. Pleaded guilty in his January 2013 trial: fined $250, had to complete alcohol safety course, driving license suspended for a year. 180-day jail sentence suspended as long as he maintained good behavior. Prosecutors dropped charge for failing to obey traffic signal in exchange for guilty plea.
⦁ Chaired the Senate Banking Committee from 2017-2021.
⦁ Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee as of 2021.
⦁ Currently sits on the Joint Committee on Taxation; Committee on Banking, Housing and Community Development where he also sits on three subcommittees; and the Senate Committee on Budget.
⦁ Crapo is considered to be a Republican who will usually vote the party line on legislation in Congress.
⦁ Sponsored the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act of 2017 during the 115th Congress.
⦁ Voted against American Rescue Plan Act 2021, Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act; 2022 Budget; Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act; Further Extending Government Funding Act; and also voted to acquit Donald Trump in his impeachment trial. 117th Congress.
⦁ Voted against the Jan 6th Commission into the Capitol attack.
⦁ Voted for National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act; and United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021. 117th Congress.
⦁ Previously called on Trump to step aside as the 2016 Republican nominee for President after the 2005 Trump tape release where he made lewd comments about woman.
⦁ In his 2016 campaign he supported marriage only being between a man and a woman and wanted constitutional change to solidify it.
⦁ Only supports abortion in cases of criminal rape, incest or when the mother’s life is in imminent danger.
⦁ Wants to repeal and replace Obamacare – wants commonsense reforms to lower healthcare costs and improve access to quality care for all Americans.
⦁ Against gun control, strongly supports the right to bear arms.
⦁ Against the Iran Nuclear Deal
David Roth – D
⦁ Executive Director of a small non-profit focusing on drug and alcohol prevention among youth. Spent most of career in education and working with children. Licensed to sell real-estate in Idaho.
⦁ Serves on several non-profit boards related to housing, food insecurity, and a statewide organisation focused on substance-use prevention.
⦁ Served as a Precinct Captain in Salt Lake City, Utah.
⦁ Degree in Marketing. Masters of Education in Administration.
⦁ Previously ran as Democrat political newcomer for Idaho Legislature in District 33 in 2020 but did not win a seat.
⦁ Passionate about education, healthcare, the opioid crisis, immigration and agriculture.
⦁ Supports directing more federal resources dedicated to evidence-based programs proven to reduce substance use, passionate about such programs addressing root causes of addiction. Wants closer Federal cooperation with local entities and communities on the matter.
⦁ Wants to fight for more coordinated efforts to bring critical resources to schools and communities. Wants to see more incentives encouraging states to increase investment in education, especially early childhood programs.
⦁ Supports creation and expansion of programs like the 21st Century Learning program responsible for opening new afterschool programs.
⦁ Supports the Affordable Care Act but wants to expand upon some of its shortfalls. Has concerns about high prescription costs, as well as the poor coverage and access to mental health services – particularly in rural areas.
⦁ Supports measures to reduce cost of life-saving medications such as insulin.
⦁ Wants to see increased investment in telehealth infrastructure to bring critical services to underserved areas.
⦁ Wants to see reforms to immigration program to help support labor for agricultural and business communities. Wants a more secure status for many immigrants in limbo.
⦁ Supports pathway to citizenship for Dreamers.
⦁ Supports immigration policies that create efficient, safe, and legal means of immigration into the US.
US House
First the 1st Congressional District the Republican incumbent Russ Fulcher and their Democratic challenger Kaylee Peterson both ran unopposed in their respective fields and will face each other in the midterms.
Russ Fulcher – R Incumbent
⦁ Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Business Administration from Boise State University (1984 and 1988).
⦁ Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory from Micron Technology.
⦁ Has worked in real estate and was the Sales and Marketing Director with Micron Technology.
⦁ Served in the Idaho State Senate representing District 22 (2005-2014).
⦁ Represented the district since 2019.
⦁ Currently sits on the Committee on Natural Resources – he is a Ranking Member on its National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommitte.
⦁ Also sits on the Committee on Education and the Workforce – he is a Ranking Member on its Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee.
⦁ Voted against American Rescue Plan Act 2021; For the People Act 2021; American Dream and Promise Act of 2021; Equality Act; Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; SAFE Banking Act of 2021; Build Back Better Act; Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021; and 2022 Budget. 117th Congress.
⦁ Voted against impeaching former President Donald Trump, voted against Jan 6th Commission.
⦁ Voted for National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 and COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. 117th Congress.
⦁ Believe healthcare and healthcare insurance costs too much. Wants to address with more choice and competition, lower prices, greater pricing transparency, and fewer federal mandates (such as Obamacare). Wants patient-centric healthcare alternatives to solve issues. (2018 view)
⦁ Against Medicaid expansion, believes it is not economically sustainable. Wants Medicaid reform. (2018 view)
⦁ Wants to remove and eliminate excessive federal mandates and fiscal irresponsibility to improve Idaho’s state economy, education and workforce. (2018 view)
⦁ Passionate about getting a highly skilled and educated workforce in Idaho. (circa 2018)
⦁ Wants to improve high-wage job opportunities in every part of Idaho. (2018 view)
⦁ Believes Idaho would be more effective at managing the current 63% of land and its corrosponding natural resources in Idaho owned by the Federal Government – believes state management could reduce wildfires and improve economy. (2018 view)
⦁ Wants to reduce federal tax and regulation that stifles the state economy. Through this also aims to make business creation easier and create more jobs. (2018 view)
⦁ Supports policies that reduce federal spending and borrowing, wants to reduce federal debt passed on to future generations. (2018 view)
⦁ Overall wants Idaho to have less dependence (both economically and legislatively) on the Federal Government. (2018 view)
⦁ Wants education in the State to be more largely managed by the State Government rather than federally-imposed educational requirements. (2018 view)
⦁ Supports keeping the US military strong and end related budgetary gridlock. (2018 view)
⦁ Opposes nation-building and excessively long engagements that lack a definition and strategy to win. (2018 view)
⦁ Opposes military operations not approved and supported by a proper act of Congress and that are not led by the US military. (2018 view)
⦁ Opposes foreign policy actions or programs not approved and supported by a proper act of Congress and that are not led by American government entities. (2018 view)
⦁ Supports fighting terrorism overseas, preventing such having to be fought instead on American soil. (2018 view)
⦁ Supports legal and assimilated immigration. (2018 view)
⦁ Strongly supports right to bear arms. (2018 view)
⦁ Pro-life on abortions. (2018 view)
⦁ Strongly opposes reintroduction of wolves in Idaho. (2018 view)
⦁ Objected to electoral vote outcomes in one or more States following 2020 election.
Kaylee Peterson – D
⦁ Worked as Chief of Staff of Associated Student of College of Western Idaho.
⦁ Served on College Council Executive Board and Idaho Students Association Legislative Council. President of the College of Western Idaho debate team.
⦁ Political newcomer. Describes herself as 6th-Generation Idahoan with great-great-great grandparents who homesteaded in the now Eagle foothills. Lives on a street named after her great-grandfather.
⦁ Wants to manage state natural resources wisely. Wants to keep public lands public.
⦁ Wants to fight inflation and income inequality by getting fiscal responsibility, debt reduction, and putting in place specific measures to bring high-paying jobs back to Idaho and the US.
⦁ Wants access to high-quality and affordable healthcare for all, including by lowering drug prices through negotiation and competition, cutting waste and fraud, requiring price transparency from insurance companies and healthcare providers, and expanding telemedicine.
⦁ Although she acknowledges that education is a State and local responsibility, she wants Congress to do its part – especially in regard to early childhood education and making colleges, universities and vocational schools affordable for all.
⦁ Passionate about meeting the needs of veterans and that they are treated with dignity and respect.
⦁ Says that US Military is in dire need of modernisation. Wants to rebuild relationships with allies.
⦁ Views her Republican opponent Fulcher as a far-right extremist who is not doing what is best for Idaho. She cited him voting against bill to cap insulin costs, voting against infrastructure bill, the American Rescue Plan, and US Postal Service financial bill, as reason for such labels.
For the 2nd Congressional District, the Republican incumbent Mike Simpson faced a contested race in his field but managed to advance to the midterms. He will face Democratic challenger Wendy Norman who ran unopposed in their own field.
Mike Simpson – R Incumbent
⦁ Formerly worked as a dentist.
⦁ Has represented 2nd Congressional District since 1999.
⦁ Has been in elected office since 1980, having been a member of Blackfoot City Council (1980-1984) and the Idaho House representing District 31B (1984-1998).
⦁ Was Speaker of Idaho House from 1992-1998.
⦁ Votes with the Republican party on majority of bills.
⦁ In the current Congress he currently consistently sits on the House Committee on Appropriations – within this he is a Ranking Member on the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.
⦁ Voted in favour of SAFE Banking Act of 2021 – outside of that voting pattern is the same as Russ Fulcher including voting against impeaching former President Donald Trump. 117th Congress.
⦁ Original cosponsor of H.J. Res. 1 to amend the US Constitution to require a balanced Budget – Simpson has concerns over size of federal Budgets, anf impact on nation’s debt on future generations. (2016 view)
⦁ Supported an amendment to the Democrat’s Cap-And-Trade bill that would have sunset the bill if in any 12-month period residential electricity rates rose by more than 10%. (2016)
⦁ Has an all-of-the-above approach when it comes to energy – supports exploring all technologies and opportunities for increasing the nation’s energy independence – strongly supports development of wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and other renewable energy sources that improve economy and environment – but says it is important to acknowledge nation will need its traditional sources of baseload energy such as coal, hydro, nuclear, and natural gas well into the future. (2016 view)
⦁ Firmly believes the 2nd Amendment prohibits the federal government from denying citizens the right to have guns.
⦁ During the Republican primary Simpson highlighted his involvement in authoring the US farm bill (a bill that is renewed and revised every 5-years by Congress), his work in removing grey wolves from the federally protected list, his guidance in statewide management of sage-grouse protection, and his work in ensuring the US Forest Service has necessary funds to fight increase in wildfires.
⦁ Simpson highlighted that in a recent spending bill signed by President Biden he helped secure 10s of millions of dollars in water system upgrades at Mountain Home Air Force Base, record funding for the Idaho National Laboratory, and strengthened the national defense budget through end of the fiscal year.
⦁ Wants to see construction restart on the US-Mexico border wall and Keystone XL pipeline.
⦁ Wants to see increased mining of minerals and natural resources on Idaho’s public lands.
⦁ Pitched a compromise among Idaho, Oregon, and Washington to remove four dams in a bid to stop the potential extinction of salmon – with the bonus of also recharging Idaho’s aquifers and providing water for farm and agricultural usage.
Wendy Norman – D
⦁ Master’s Degree in Education from Idaho State University.
⦁ Experience in working as a teacher.
⦁ Political newcomer
⦁ Wants to fight income inequality, end inflation, and fight for policies that promote economic equity, fiscal responsibility, debt reduction, and bring high-paying jobs back to Idaho and the US.
⦁ Wants to ensure all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. Wants to work to allows the US to negotiate lowering prescription drug prices and foster competition, require price transparency from hospitals and insurance companies, cut waste and fraud, and expand telemedicine.
⦁ Wants to protect voting rights, reduce influence of money in politics, and toughen ethics laws.
⦁ Wants to protect and improve air and water quality, be good stewards of public land, wants to find sensible and collaborative solutions to resource competition, encourage job-friendly conservation, and wants to invest in energy-saving innovation.
⦁ Wants military to be modernised and protect law enforcement funding.
⦁ Agrees with Simpson on some areas such as on his plan for salmon recovery in the Snake River and work on the Boulder White Clouds Wilderness Area.
⦁ Is critical of Simpson for voting against the American Rescue Plan the $1 trillion Infrastructure Bill, and a bill to cap insulin costs.
⦁ Supports bans on automatic weapons, introduction of universal background checks including gun show sales, and holding gun lobby and gun manufacturers to account when their products are used for murder.
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