2026 Idaho gubernatorial election
November 3, 2026
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| Elections in Idaho |
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The 2026 Idaho gubernatorial election will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of the state of Idaho. The primary elections will take place on May 19, 2026.[1] Incumbent Republican governor Brad Little is eligible to run for re-election to a third term, as Idaho does not have gubernatorial term limits. Democrats have not won an Idaho gubernatorial race since Cecil Andrus won his final term in 1990.
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Brad Little, incumbent governor (2019–present)[2]
Filed paperwork
- Sean Calvert Crystal, candidate for Idaho's 32nd legislative district in 2024[3]
- Mark Fitzpatrick, bar owner[3]
- Daniel Fowler[3]
- Ethan Giles[3]
- Ron James, Teton County commissioner[3]
- Lisa Marie, perennial candidate[3]
- Justin Plante, mechanic[3]
Endorsements
Brad Little
- Executive branch officials
- Donald Trump, president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[4]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Maxine Durand, former Twin Falls Director of Transportation (2023–2025)[5] (previously ran as an independent)[6]
- Terri Pickens, attorney and nominee for lieutenant governor in 2022[7]
Filed paperwork
Endorsements
Maxine Durand
- Organizations
- Democratic Socialists of America Southern Idaho, Boise & Southeast Idaho[5]
Libertarian primary
Candidates
Filed paperwork
- Melissa-Sue Robinson, perennial candidate[3]
- Paul Sand, Libertarian party nominee in 2022 Idaho gubernatorial election[3]
Constitution primary
Candidates
Filed paperwork
Independents
Candidates
Filed paperwork
- John Stegner, former justice of the Idaho Supreme Court (2018–2023) and judge of the 2nd Judicial District Court of Idaho (1997–2018)[8][3]
Withdrawn
- Maxine Durand, former Twin Falls Director of Transportation (2023–2025)[5] (running as a Democrat)[9]
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[10] | Solid R | September 11, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[11] | Solid R | August 28, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[12] | Safe R | September 4, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[13] | Safe R | September 16, 2025 |
See also
References
- ^ "2026 State Primary Election Dates". NCSL. May 9, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ "Idaho Governor Brad Little announces bid for a third term as state leader". KTVB. February 24, 2026. Retrieved February 25, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Idaho Candidate Filing Portal - ReFrame". Vote Idaho. Retrieved February 24, 2026.
- ^ Guido, Laura (June 11, 2025). "Trump endorses Idaho Gov. Brad Little for 2026 election". KTVB. Retrieved June 11, 2025.
- ^ a b c Kay, Dereka (August 29, 2025). "A new face is running for Governor in Idaho". KMVT. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
- ^ @Durand for Idaho; (February 7, 2026). "Switching Parties" – via Instagram.
- ^ KMVT News Staff (November 12, 2025). "Boise lawyer announces Democratic run for Idaho governor". KMVT. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
- ^ "Former Idaho Supreme Court Justice eyes governorship". cdapress. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
- ^ @Durand for Idaho; (February 7, 2026). "Switching Parties" – via Instagram.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
External links
- Official campaign websites