1.5.22: Crapo to seek fifth U.S. Senate term

Sen. Mike Crapo made it official Wednesday, saying he will seek a fifth U.S. Senate term in 2022.

Crapo was first elected to Congress in 1992, and first elected to the Senate in 1998.

Here’s his statement Wednesday:

“We are in the middle of the most important fight for our future that most of us alive today have experienced. The threats to our values, our way of life and our Constitution itself are intense, extremely well-funded and well-organized. We must rise to that challenge and be heavily engaged in it. I am running for re-election to stay in this fight for a future that assures every American the freedoms so many have fought and died to protect. I will work hard to earn the honor and privilege to continue advocating for Idaho principles and values in the United States Senate.”

According to Federal Election Commission filings, Crapo faces four lesser-known opponents: Republicans Jeremy Gilbert of Boise, Mike Little of Weiser and James Scott Trotter of Lewiston; and unaffiliated candidate Scott Cleveland of Eagle. None of these challengers have reported any fundraising activity. According to the FEC, Crapo’s campaign had nearly $5.4 million in cash on hand on Sept. 30.