Idaho voters on Tuesday cast primary ballots to select nominees for federal, state, and local offices, kicking off a cycle that is expected to have national significance for the balance of power in Congress.
Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Risch is seeking a fourth term in the Senate. He faces three GOP primary challengers — Joe Evans, Denny LaVe, and Josh Roy. Risch eclipsed all of his primary opponents in fundraising headed into the final weeks of the campaign, according to federal records.
The Democratic primary field for U.S. Senate includes David Roth, Nickolas Bonds, and Brad Moore. Only Roth reported raising any money, collecting approximately $7,500, but his campaign was out of funds as of March 31, according to federal campaign finance records. Roth was the Democratic nominee in Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District in 2024 and for U.S. Senate in 2022.
The primary outcomes will set the stage for the November general election. Republicans are counting on Idaho’s reliably conservative electorate to help maintain their control of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.