Gov. Little wins reelection as statewide incumbents take commanding leads

Updated, 11:50 p.m.

Republican Gov. Brad Little won a third term Tuesday, defeating Democratic challenger Terri Pickens and independent candidate John Stegner.

The Associated Press called the race for Little at 10:36 p.m.

Little was among the incumbent statewide candidates, along with state superintendent Debbie Critchfield, who jumped out to early leads as votes trickled in Tuesday. All seven state constitutional officers and three of Idaho’s four congressional delegates are seeking reelection.

Here are the results so far:

State superintendent

With most counties reporting results, Republican state superintendent Debbie Critchfield has a commanding lead in her reelection bid. Becky Sundin Mitchell, a Democrat, and Teresa Roundy of the Constitution Party are hoping to unseat Critchfield after her first term as Idaho’s top education leader.

Results:

  • Debbie Critchfield (Republican) — 60.01% (318,886 votes)
  • Becky Sundin Mitchell (Democrat) — 36.52% (194,089 votes)
  • Teresa Roundy (Constitution) — 3.47% (18,474 votes)
Candidates for state superintendent of public instruction. From left, Constitutionalist Teresa Roundy, Democrat Becky Sundin Mitchell and Republican Debbie Critchfield. (Sean Dolan/EdNews)

Governor

Republican Gov. Brad Little won reelection in a crowded field.

Democrat Terri Pickens and independent John Stegner posed the biggest threat to Little, who handily won reelection in 2022. Perennial candidate Pro-Life, formerly known as Marvin Richardson, represented the Constitution Party, while Paul Sand ran as a Libertarian.

Results:

  • Brad Little (Republican) – 55.49% (301,613 votes)
  • Terri Pickens (Democrat) – 33.85% (183,952 votes)
  • John R. Stegner (Independent) – 7.74% (42,092 votes)
Candidates for governor, from left to right: John Stegner, independent; Brad Little, Republican; and Terri Pickens, Democrat

U.S. Congress

Incumbent Sen. Jim Risch and Reps. Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson, all Republicans, all held leads with most localities reporting results Tuesday.

Simpson’s advantage was the narrowest, with Democratic challenger Kaylee Peterson collecting more than 42% of votes tallied so far.

Senate results:

  • Jim Risch (Republican) — 54.65% (291,398 votes)
  • Todd Achilles (Independent) — 35.51% (189,312 votes)

House – District 1 results:

  • Russ Fulcher (Republican) — 62.57% (174,262 votes)
  • Kaylee Peterson (Democrat) – 30.53% (85,022 votes)

House – District 2 results:

  • Mike Simpson (Republican) — 49.91% (126,669 votes)
  • Ellie Gilbreath (Democrat) — 42.22% (107,158 votes)

Lieutenant governor

Republican Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke is vying for a second term as second-in-line to the governor’s office and as president of the Idaho Senate. Bedke faces Eric Myricks, an entrepreneur from Nampa and a self-described “moderate Democrat.”

Results:

  • Scott Bedke (Republican) — 61.57% (324,678 votes)
  • Eric Myricks (Democrat) — 38,43% (202,640 votes)

Attorney general 

Republican Attorney General Raúl Labrador is hoping for a second term as the state’s top attorney. Labrador’s challenger is Lori Hickman, a Democrat.

Results:

  • Raúl Labrador (Republican) — 57.99% (311,431 votes)
  • Lori Hickman (Democrat) — 42.01% (225,588 votes)

Secretary of state 

Republican Secretary of State Phil McGrane faces Democrat Shawn Keenan in his bid for a second term.

Results:

  • Phil McGrane (Republican) — 66.06% (352,664 votes)
  • Shawn Keenan (Democrat) — 33.94% (181,223 votes)

Controller 

Republican Controller Brandon Woolf is vying for another four-year term. His challenger is  Rakesh Mohan, a Democrat.

Results:

  • Brandon Woolf (Republican) — 64.52% (342,553 votes)
  • Rakesh Mohan (Democrat) — 35.48% (188,338 votes)

Treasurer 

Republican Julie Ellsworth wants another four years in that role as treasurer. Kevin A. Jones, a Democrat, is running to unseat her.

Results:

  • Julie Ellsworth (Republican) — 63.85% (338,358 votes)
  • Kevin A. Jones (Democrat) — 36.15% (191,561 votes)
Ryan Suppe

Ryan Suppe

Senior reporter Ryan Suppe covers education policy, focusing on K-12 schools. He previously reported on state politics, local government and business for newspapers in the Treasure Valley and Eastern Idaho. A Nevada native, Ryan enjoys golf, skiing and movies. Follow him on Bluesky @ryansuppe.bsky.social. Contact him at ryan@idahoednews.org

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