Idaho gubernatorial election, 2026
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← 2022
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| Governor of Idaho |
|---|
| General election |
| Election details |
| Filing deadline: February 27, 2026 |
| Primary: Pending General: November 3, 2026 |
| How to vote |
| Poll times:
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| Race ratings |
Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican Inside Elections: Solid Republican |
| Ballotpedia analysis |
| Federal and state primary competitiveness State executive elections in 2026 Impact of term limits in 2026 State government trifectas State government triplexes Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026 |
| Idaho executive elections |
| Governor Lieutenant Governor |
Idaho is holding an election for governor on November 3, 2026.
To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.
Candidates and election results
Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:
- Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
- Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for Governor of Idaho
The following candidates are running in the general election for Governor of Idaho on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
| Brad Little (R) | ||
| Stephen Heidt (D) | ||
Terri Pickens (D) ![]() | ||
Chanelle Torrez (D) ![]() | ||
| Jordan Chirat (R) | ||
| Lisa Marie (R) | ||
| Ammon Bundy (Independent) | ||
| Maxine Durand (Independent) | ||
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "Terri Pickens is a fourth generation Idahoan, born and raised in Pocatello. Terri graduated from Highland High School and went on to the University of Southern California, where she graduated with a B.A. in Political Science in 1994. Terri returned to Idaho to attend the University of Idaho College of Law where she participated in the Idaho Law Review, Appellate Clinic, and she earned her J.D. in 1998. After law school, she was a Public Defender for Nez Perce County in Lewiston. In 1999, Terri relocated to Boise to start her career as a trial attorney. Terri is the founding partner of Pickens Law, P.A., a firm she started in 2008. Terri practices in the area of real estate litigation, construction litigation and general commercial litigation. She is a member of the Idaho State Bar, the Idaho Women Lawyers, the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association, and she is licensed to practice before the United States District Court for the District of Idaho and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Terri is regularly in court and has tried many cases in the District Court and argued several appeals to the Idaho Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit. Terri is running for Governor because it is time for change in Idaho. For too long Idahoans have voted against their own interests, assuming that the people they vote for will have their best interests at heart simply because of the party affiliation next to their names."
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Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "My name is Chanelle Torrez and I’m a born native from Caldwell Idaho. I want to run for freedom, Justice and reproductive rights. I believe in Idaho deserves better."
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
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Terri Pickens (D)
Education is a cornerstone of a healthy society. Idaho, for too long, has failed its children. Terri is committed to put the education for Idaho's children first. Public education is critical to ensure that all Idahoans have the equal opportunity to learn and get a head start in life. In order to be a successful state, we must first have successful citizens.. Terri support public education, pre-K education, full time kindergarten, and full access to public education all across Idaho, whether rural or urban. Funding is critical to a strong public education system, and she will support Idaho’s public education system, our teachers, and do everything she can to repeal the unconstitutional voucher scheme in Idaho.
Terri will use her voice and stand up for the dignity and freedom of all Idahoans. She believes in civil rights and she will be a champion for citizens, ensuring that all of their rights are protected. Terri supports equal rights, equal justice, and equal opportunity for all. We are living in a time when our rights are being challenged. Women deserve bodily autonomy, parents should be able to make medical decisions for their children, people should be able to love who they love and get the medical treatments they need. Teachers are not the enemy, doctors are not the enemy, books are not the enemy. We all deserve basic fundamental freedoms.
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Child abuse and domestic violence should be a misdemeanor. I grew up in an abusive home with substance abuse.
Allowing pet owners to keep their pets if they have a fenced yard or a leash. A fine for any cruelty and unsupervised animals off leash. I’m an owner of a German shepherd and animal safety is my concern.
Terri Pickens (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Terri Pickens (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Terri Pickens (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Terri Pickens (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Terri Pickens (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Terri Pickens (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Terri Pickens (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Terri Pickens (D)
What sets Idaho apart is its people. Idahoans are practical, grounded, and proud of the lives they’ve built. We value freedom—not just in words, but in how we live. Whether you’re running a small business, working the land, or raising a family, you can count on the respect and support of your community. Our small towns still gather as communities and our cities are growing without losing that spirit of neighborliness. Idaho is a place where a handshake still means something, where folks show up for one another in times of need, and where common sense still guides everyday life.
Economically, Idaho offers stability and promise. We have one of the strongest job markets in the country, fueled by small businesses, agriculture, technology, and manufacturing. Our cost of living remains lower than many states, and our natural resources—our land, water, and energy—provide both opportunity and responsibility. Idaho’s government, when it works as it should, reflects our values: local control, limited bureaucracy, and respect for personal liberty.
Idaho is more than a place on the map; it’s a state of mind—strong, free, and fiercely independent.Chanelle Torrez (D)
Terri Pickens (D)
Economic inequality and the affordability of housing and healthcare also loom large. While Idaho’s economy has grown, many families struggle to keep up with rising costs, and rural communities often face limited access to essential services. Public education faces pressures from underfunding and politicization, threatening the quality and fairness of schooling for the next generation.
Environmental challenges, including wildfire risk, water management, and the preservation of public lands, will demand careful leadership to ensure sustainable growth. Additionally, political polarization threatens constructive governance, making it harder to solve problems collaboratively.
Addressing these challenges will require leaders committed to protecting individual liberties, promoting economic opportunity, and preserving Idaho’s natural and cultural heritage. Maintaining an open, inclusive, and transparent government is essential to ensuring Idaho remains a place where freedom, fairness, and opportunity are available to all.Chanelle Torrez (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Terri Pickens (D)
Emergency powers should never be used to target or suppress citizens for their beliefs, political views, or lawful actions. The governor’s authority should complement, not replace, the rule of law, ensuring that the state can act swiftly in a crisis while maintaining transparency, accountability, and respect for constitutional rights. Any deployment of resources, including the National Guard, should be for protection, relief, and public order—not to intimidate or control the population.
In short, emergency powers exist to protect people and property during extraordinary circumstances—not to expand government authority or suppress fundamental freedoms. Clear guidelines, oversight, and communication with the legislature and the public are essential to ensure these powers are used responsibly and only when truly necessary.Chanelle Torrez (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Terri Pickens (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Terri Pickens (D)
Chanelle Torrez (D)
Terri Pickens (D)
Terri Pickens (D)
Terri Pickens (D)
You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:
Voting information
- See also: Voting in Idaho
Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.
General election race ratings
- See also: Race rating definitions and methods
Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:
- Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
- Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
- Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[1]
- Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.
Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[2][3][4]
| Race ratings: Idaho gubernatorial election, 2026 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race tracker | Race ratings | ||||||||
| 10/21/2025 | 10/14/2025 | 10/7/2025 | 9/30/2025 | ||||||
| The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | |||||
| Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | |||||
| Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | |||||
| Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week. | |||||||||
Past elections
The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2014.
2022
- See also: Idaho gubernatorial election, 2022
General election
General election for Governor of Idaho
The following candidates ran in the general election for Governor of Idaho on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Brad Little (R) | 60.5 | 358,598 | |
Stephen Heidt (D) ![]() | 20.3 | 120,160 | ||
| Ammon Bundy (Independent) | 17.2 | 101,835 | ||
Paul Sand (L) ![]() | 1.1 | 6,714 | ||
Chantyrose Davison (Constitution Party) ![]() | 0.9 | 5,250 | ||
| Lisa Marie (Independent) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 46 | ||
| Total votes: 592,603 | ||||
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Robert Dempsey (Independent)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Governor of Idaho
Stephen Heidt defeated Shelby Rognstad and David Reilly in the Democratic primary for Governor of Idaho on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Stephen Heidt ![]() | 78.8 | 25,088 | |
Shelby Rognstad (Write-in) ![]() | 21.2 | 6,736 | ||
| David Reilly (Write-in) | 0.1 | 21 | ||
| Total votes: 31,845 | ||||
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Melissa Sue Robinson (D)
- Bob Dempsay (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Governor of Idaho
The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Governor of Idaho on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Brad Little | 52.8 | 148,843 | |
| Janice McGeachin | 32.2 | 90,857 | ||
Ed Humphreys ![]() | 11.0 | 30,878 | ||
| Steven Bradshaw | 1.9 | 5,470 | ||
Ashley Jackson ![]() | 1.1 | 3,172 | ||
| Lisa Marie | 0.4 | 1,120 | ||
Ben Cannady ![]() | 0.3 | 804 | ||
| Cody Usabel | 0.2 | 680 | ||
| Total votes: 281,824 | ||||
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Chris Hammond (R)
- Jeff Cotton (R)
Constitution primary election
Constitution primary for Governor of Idaho
Chantyrose Davison defeated Ryan Cole in the Constitution primary for Governor of Idaho on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Chantyrose Davison ![]() | 61.9 | 346 | |
| Ryan Cole (Write-in) | 3.9 | 22 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 34.2 | 191 | ||
| Total votes: 559 | ||||
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Libertarian primary election
Libertarian primary for Governor of Idaho
Paul Sand defeated John Dionne Jr. in the Libertarian primary for Governor of Idaho on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Paul Sand ![]() | 60.2 | 427 | |
| John Dionne Jr. | 39.8 | 282 | ||
| Total votes: 709 | ||||
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2018
- See also: Idaho gubernatorial election, 2018
General election
General election for Governor of Idaho
Brad Little defeated Paulette Jordan, Bev Boeck, and Walter Bayes in the general election for Governor of Idaho on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Brad Little (R) | 59.8 | 361,661 | |
Paulette Jordan (D) ![]() | 38.2 | 231,081 | ||
| Bev Boeck (L) | 1.1 | 6,551 | ||
| Walter Bayes (Constitution Party) | 1.0 | 5,787 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.0 | 51 | ||
| Total votes: 605,131 | ||||
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Governor of Idaho
Paulette Jordan defeated A.J. Balukoff and Peter Dill in the Democratic primary for Governor of Idaho on May 15, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Paulette Jordan ![]() | 58.4 | 38,505 | |
| A.J. Balukoff | 40.1 | 26,423 | ||
Peter Dill ![]() | 1.4 | 954 | ||
| Total votes: 65,882 | ||||
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Governor of Idaho
The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Governor of Idaho on May 15, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Brad Little | 37.3 | 72,548 | |
| Raúl Labrador | 32.6 | 63,478 | ||
| Tommy Ahlquist | 26.2 | 51,008 | ||
| Lisa Marie | 1.7 | 3,397 | ||
Steven Pankey ![]() | 1.4 | 2,704 | ||
| Harley Brown | 0.4 | 874 | ||
| Ben Cannady | 0.3 | 527 | ||
| Total votes: 194,536 | ||||
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2014
- See also: Idaho Gubernatorial election, 2014
| Governor of Idaho, 2014 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican | 53.5% | 235,405 | ||
| Democratic | A.J. Balukoff | 38.6% | 169,556 | |
| Libertarian | John T. Bujak | 4.1% | 17,884 | |
| Independent | Jill Humble | 2% | 8,801 | |
| Constitution | Steve Pankey | 1.2% | 5,219 | |
| Independent | Pro-Life | 0.7% | 2,870 | |
| N/A | Write-ins | 0% | 95 | |
| Total Votes | 439,830 | |||
| Election results via Idaho Secretary of State | ||||
Election analysis
This section will contain facts and figures related to this state's elections when those are available.
Gubernatorial elections in 2026
There are 36 gubernatorial seats on the ballot in 2026.
See also
| Idaho | State Executive Elections | News and Analysis |
|---|---|---|
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External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
