Idaho gubernatorial election, 2022 (May 17 Republican primary)

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2018
Governor of Idaho
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Democratic primary
Republican primary
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: March 11, 2022
Primary: May 17, 2022
General: November 8, 2022

Pre-election incumbent(s):
Brad Little (Republican)
How to vote
Poll times: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting in Idaho
Ballotpedia analysis
Federal and state primary competitiveness
State executive elections in 2022
Impact of term limits in 2022
State government trifectas
State government triplexes
Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2022
Idaho
executive elections
Governor

Lieutenant Governor
Attorney General
Secretary of State
Treasurer
Controller
Superintendent of Public Instruction

Incumbent Gov. Brad Little defeated seven other candidates in the Republican primary for governor of Idaho on May 17, 2022. Little and Janice McGeachin, the state's lieutenant governor, led in endorsements, fundraising, and media attention.[1][2]

Idaho is one of 17 states where the lieutenant governor is nominated in a separate primary and elected in a separate general election from the governor. According to the Idaho Press's Betsy Russell, an incumbent Idaho governor had not been challenged in a primary by the lieutenant governor since 1938.[3]

The Idaho Statesman's Ryan Suppe said of Little and McGeachin, "The two former allies ... have had a tense relationship in recent years."[2] Much of that tension revolved around responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Idaho Capital Sun's Clark Corbin, McGeachin "encouraged businesses to violate [Little’s] stay-home public safety order from 2020."[4]

In two instances in 2021, McGeachin issued executive orders related to COVID-19 measures. The first, issued while Little was at a Republican Governors Association meeting, banned mask mandates. The second, issued while Little was at the U.S.-Mexico border, expanded a prohibition against state entities requiring vaccination or testing. Little rescinded both orders the following day.[5][6][7][8][9]

Little ran on his record, saying that his first term was "marked by historic tax relief, unparalleled red tape reduction, extraordinary economic growth, and unprecedented investments in education."[10] Little said, "I am committed to continuing to lead Idaho with my goal for Idaho in mind to make Idaho the place where we all can have the opportunity to thrive, where our children and grandchildren choose to stay, and for the ones who have left to choose to return."[10] The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund and the Idaho Fraternal Order of Police endorsed Little.

McGeachin said she ran for governor "to restore the principles that have Made Idaho Great — individual liberty, state sovereignty, and traditional conservative values."[10] McGeachin said, "My campaign has been endorsed by President Trump because I stand for America First policies including individual liberty, election integrity, a strong and secure border, school choice, energy independence, reducing taxes and regulations, and supporting American businesses."[10] Former President Donald Trump (R) endorsed McGeachin in November 2021.[11]

Little was elected governor in 2018 by a 60%-38% margin. Gov. Dirk Kempthorne (R) appointed Little to fill a vacancy in the Idaho State Senate in 2001, where he served until Gov. Butch Otter (R) appointed him as lieutenant governor in 2009. Before being appointed as lieutenant governor, Little managed his family's sheep and cattle ranching business.[12][13][14]

McGeachin served in the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 to 2012 and was elected lieutenant governor in 2018. At the time of the election, McGeachin was a co-owner of multiple automotive businesses and an Irish restaurant.[15]

Steven Bradshaw, Ben Cannady, Ed Humphreys, Ashley Jackson, Lisa Marie, and Cody Usabel also ran in the primary.

Heading into the primary, Republicans had held trifecta control of Idaho state government since 1995. The last time a Democrat was elected to statewide office in Idaho was for superintendent of public instruction in 2002.[16]

Ben Cannady (R), Ed Humphreys (R), and Ashley Jackson (R) completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Click on a candidate's name to view that candidate's responses.

This page focuses on Idaho's Republican Party gubernatorial primary. For more in-depth information on Idaho's Democratic gubernatorial primary and the general election, see the following pages:

HOTP-GOP-Ad-1-Small.png

Election news

Click below to view a timeline leading up to the election, including polling, debates, and other noteworthy events.

Candidates and election results

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Idaho

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/nLmyuaDA_400x400.jpg
Brad Little
 
52.8
 
148,843
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/McGeachin41.jpg
Janice McGeachin
 
32.2
 
90,857
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ed-Humphreys.jpg
Ed Humphreys Candidate Connection
 
11.0
 
30,878
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/StevenBradshaw2.jpg
Steven Bradshaw
 
1.9
 
5,470
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Ashley_Jackson.jpeg
Ashley Jackson Candidate Connection
 
1.1
 
3,172
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Lisa_Marie.jpeg
Lisa Marie
 
0.4
 
1,120
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Ben Cannady Candidate Connection
 
0.3
 
804
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Cody Usabel
 
0.2
 
680

Total votes: 281,824
Candidate Connection = 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.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Candidate comparison

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff compiled 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.

Image of Brad Little

WebsiteFacebook

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: Yes

Political Office: 

Biography:  Little was born in Emmett, Idaho. He attended the University of Idaho, where he received a bachelor's degree in agribusiness. Little managed Little Land and Livestock, his family's sheep and cattle ranching business, until 2009.



Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.


Little said, "As Governor, my priority has been to make Idaho the best place to live, do business, and raise a family. During my first term, together, we achieved billions in historic tax relief, record investments in transportation, and continued our strong support for education in Idaho – and we are just getting started!"


Little's campaign said, "Idaho faces a growing drug threat because of Biden’s horribly inept handling of the crisis at the border. Governor Little is leading Idaho toward safety by working with law enforcement and communities in new ways to fight the influence of Mexico drug cartels in our state, and we sent troopers to the border to help our fellow Americans."


Little's campaign said, "In just three years, Governor Little cut or simplified a whopping 95-percent of Idaho regulations, easing burdens on small businesses and citizens. And we’re going to keep on cutting red tape in the years ahead!"


Show sources

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Governor of Idaho in 2022.

Silhouette Placeholder Image.png Do you have a photo that could go here? Click here to submit it for this profile!

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "My name is Ben Cannady and I am running for Governor because I am tired of all of the corruption and hearing rich people say that they are here for the middle class and the working man but they don't even know what its like to have to really work. They don't know what its like to have to be on welfare and food stamps they have no idea what its like to stand in the food bank line or to have to call the marines toys for totes just so that your kids can have a Christmas. Our country was founded on the backs of the men and women who fought and died for this country all gave some and some gave all and all of there families gave all and I promise that I will never sign a bill that goes against their sacrifice."


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


School choice is a must I believe that the funding should fallow our students to what ever school the parents deem worthy even if that school is a religious school or home schooling.


No elected official should be allowed to vote on there raise. There raises should be decided by the voters.


Term limits need to be pushed into effect even if it is only in the state of Idaho.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Governor of Idaho in 2022.

Image of Ed Humphreys

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "I was urged to run for Governor after working on several successful political projects including the Committee for Election Integrity, Make Ada Great Again, and tackling critical race theory (CRT) by introducing the bill banning CRT in public schools in the Idaho House Education Committee. I walked away from financial planning to run for Governor because I’m deeply concerned that Idaho is making huge mistakes. As a first-generation American whose mother and brother fled communism from the former Yugoslavia, I have a deep, personal understanding of how freedoms are lost. I studied thousands of pages of state fiscal reports and uncovered that we are adopting the same destructive ideas right here in Idaho. There is a ruling class of career politicians in this state that promote “socialism-lite,” and they have grown our state government into 20 departments and more than 180 agencies. We must change course and promote free market principles. The change we want will come from citizen leaders, not politicians. If We the People can’t protect and promote the American Dream in Idaho, then it won’t happen anywhere. However, if we are successful, then Idaho will lead the nation. We will be the "Shining City on a Hill.""


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


I intend to radically change and improve the political climate in Idaho. I am not a career politician, I've never run for political office, but as a successful financial advisor, husband, father, and involved community volunteer, I know how to manage finances and lead people. Idaho's wasteful spending is out of control. Socialism is infecting our schools and government agencies. Increasing taxes are destroying the American Dream. Now is the time to send career politicians home and return to the timeless principles which led to the creation of the greatest nation on Earth. I'm grateful for thousands of loyal, grassroots supporters throughout Idaho who agree with my vision for a better future.


Education must be a priority as we prepare our children for the future. Unfortunately, they are being taught social justice propaganda in our schools and universities. A recent quiz in a class at Boise State University linked the Declaration of Independence with white supremacy. Books in our public schools and libraries ridicule the entrepreneurial spirit of free enterprise and support a "victim" mentality that deflates ambition and removes accountability.


My key issues focus on enhancing a civilized society by reducing taxes, promoting law enforcement, defending the 2nd Amendment, halting reckless refugee resettlement, eliminating unnecessary government agencies, and advocating pro-life issues. My administration will reward and acknowledge the thousands of fine Idahoans who daily wear a badge and promise to defend and protect the citizens. I will work with military agencies, including the National Guard, to keep the peace and provide aid when necessary.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Governor of Idaho in 2022.

Image of Ashley Jackson

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography "I am a small government Conservative through and through. I share the fundamental beliefs in America’s founding documents, in self government, and that individuals thrive most when unburdened by taxes and regulation. As Governor, my knee jerk reaction to nearly any situation or challenge will be to reject Federal control and mandates. States and individual rights are under attack by the current administration, and I will fight tooth and nail for Idaho and its residents. One of the principals most under attack by Washington D.C. is gun rights. I believe The Constitution is very clear on this issue; “The right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed” I will fight for your 2nd Amendment rights wherever, whenever and however I can. My dad is a outfitter and firearms dealer to this day. I’ve been around guns my entire life, I own several, and I shoot often. I encourage all residents of Idaho, especially the ladies, to do the same. And if you don’t know how, I’ll help you learn! A well armed society is a free and safe one."


Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.


In order to keep Idaho FREE we must elect a small goverment conservative that is native to the state and wants generations to enjoy pristine Idaho!


Taxes are much too high and must be cut. The surplus must be returned to the people and we must create new ways to bring revenue into our state. We must grow with the times.


There is no place for bickering or backbiting in the Idaho Capital. It will not be tolerated. I bring strong concise clear communication and leadership that will diplomatically move Idaho to the best state in the Nation!

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Governor of Idaho in 2022.

Image of Janice McGeachin

WebsiteFacebookTwitterYouTube

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: 

Biography:  McGeachin was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She attended the University of Arizona, where she received a bachelor's degree in finance and accounting. As of 2022, McGeachin and her husband owned multiple automotive businesses and an Irish restaurant.



Key Messages

The following key messages were curated by Ballotpedia staff. For more on how we identify key messages, click here.


McGeachin said, "I am running for Governor to restore the principles that have Made Idaho Great — individual liberty, state sovereignty, and traditional conservative values." 


McGeachin said, "How many businesses have we lost? Why are our voting rights compromised? Why could we go to the liquor store but couldn’t go to church? What is happening to our state? Alarmingly, Idaho has been drifting away from our foundational principles. I refuse to stand by and allow these abuses to go unchallenged."


McGeachin said, "I stand for America First policies including individual liberty, election integrity, a strong and secure border, school choice, energy independence, reducing taxes and regulations, and supporting American businesses."


Show sources

This information was current as of the candidate's run for Governor of Idaho in 2022.

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.

Expand all | Collapse all

School choice is a must I believe that the funding should fallow our students to what ever school the parents deem worthy even if that school is a religious school or home schooling.

No elected official should be allowed to vote on there raise. There raises should be decided by the voters.

Term limits need to be pushed into effect even if it is only in the state of Idaho.
I intend to radically change and improve the political climate in Idaho. I am not a career politician, I've never run for political office, but as a successful financial advisor, husband, father, and involved community volunteer, I know how to manage finances and lead people. Idaho's wasteful spending is out of control. Socialism is infecting our schools and government agencies. Increasing taxes are destroying the American Dream. Now is the time to send career politicians home and return to the timeless principles which led to the creation of the greatest nation on Earth. I'm grateful for thousands of loyal, grassroots supporters throughout Idaho who agree with my vision for a better future.

Education must be a priority as we prepare our children for the future. Unfortunately, they are being taught social justice propaganda in our schools and universities. A recent quiz in a class at Boise State University linked the Declaration of Independence with white supremacy. Books in our public schools and libraries ridicule the entrepreneurial spirit of free enterprise and support a "victim" mentality that deflates ambition and removes accountability.

My key issues focus on enhancing a civilized society by reducing taxes, promoting law enforcement, defending the 2nd Amendment, halting reckless refugee resettlement, eliminating unnecessary government agencies, and advocating pro-life issues. My administration will reward and acknowledge the thousands of fine Idahoans who daily wear a badge and promise to defend and protect the citizens. I will work with military agencies, including the National Guard, to keep the peace and provide aid when necessary.
In order to keep Idaho FREE we must elect a small goverment conservative that is native to the state and wants generations to enjoy pristine Idaho!

Taxes are much too high and must be cut. The surplus must be returned to the people and we must create new ways to bring revenue into our state. We must grow with the times.

There is no place for bickering or backbiting in the Idaho Capital. It will not be tolerated. I bring strong concise clear communication and leadership that will diplomatically move Idaho to the best state in the Nation!
Getting the next generation to be more financially literate before they leave school to have an understanding of financial responsibility and also learning to invest into stocks and dividends from the day they first start getting paychecks at the age of 18 and not relying on social security or the government. We need to start teaching everybody how to fish and not just be given a fish. By doing this we will over time greatly reduce the amount of people on welfare.
Every time we pay our taxes, we are footing the bill to ruin Idaho and destroy the American Dream. We are following the blueprint that changed Colorado to a liberal stronghold in eight years, just FOUR election cycles. Untold millions of our tax-dollars are being funneled into agencies and private non-profit organizations that seem reasonable and necessary but promote Anti-American ideas that violate our state constitution. We need to defund these activists. As Governor, I will use a line-item veto to cut this special-interest pork from the budget. I will ban all state agencies from hiring lobbyists!

I have put forth clear policy statements to abolish the state income tax and form a Taxpayer Bill of Rights.

The state of emergency and the COVID restrictions have been a disgrace. We are STILL, almost two years later, in a state of emergency that continues to be renewed by the Governor to get every dollar from Joe Biden to run this state. The danger of government bureaucrats and corporations making medical decisions for the rest of us cannot be understated. The Governor and state leaders who support him have refused to act to protect basic medical freedoms.

We are burdened with debt, wasteful spending, bureaucracy, heavy taxes, and social programs that smother our freedoms and we are in danger of losing our robust and positive way of life in Idaho.
I am a small government Conservative through and through. I share the fundamental beliefs in America’s founding documents, in self government, and that individuals thrive most when unburdened by taxes and regulation. As Governor, my knee jerk reaction to nearly any situation or challenge will be to reject Federal control and mandates. States and individual rights are under attack by the current administration, and I will fight tooth and nail for Idaho and its residents.
I look up to all of those who over look the hard ships in life. To all of those who don't blame others for there misfortune and just put in the hard work and make something of there lives.
My policies are a collection of deeply held beliefs that have come through the lens of history. I try to pattern myself after Ronald Reagan because of his unmatched legacy of fighting global communism and his conservative economic policies. My vision, of changing the direction of the state by focusing heavily on the state budget, is unique and desperately needed.

As a child, I remember my mother and her brother describing how they fled communism from the former Yugoslavia and escape to the United States. I'm a first-generation citizen, and I have a deep, personal understanding of how freedoms are lost.

Fourteen years ago I was living in a rundown trailer park, but through God, an opportunity to work in the oilfield, and education, I lived the American Dream and elevated my quality of life. Now I have a wife and two kids and we live in Eagle. We all know Idaho needs someone who can put in the long hours needed to turn things around. Everyone knows that I will not be outworked. As a financial advisor, I managed a $40 million book of business, the savings and retirement funds of families who put their trust in me to protect their earnings. I have suspended my financial career to run for Governor.
I was inspired by the writings of Dr. Ben Carson who was the first person to get me interested in the Republican Party. Soon I became an advocate of America First Policies that President Trump led on. From an economic perspective, I've found Friedrich Hayek's "A Road Less Traveled" to be an insightful treatise on the economy. Barry Goldwater's "The Conscience of a Conservative" is a must read. The old film, "Dr. Zhivago" provides a powerful reminder on the damaging effects of communism.
Integrity (doing what's right even when no one is around to see), Honesty, Honor,
I believe that honesty, integrity, a strong work ethic, and faith in God are essential characteristics for an elected official. I’ve never had a special interest group to prop me up. There are not a lot of people at 31 years old who have the guts to step into this swamp and get smeared the way I and my family get smeared. That takes guts! I have done the work and the research to put forth bold, detailed, policy solutions for the problems facing our state. We have built a true grassroots campaign, supported by regular Idahoans who see the need to disrupt politics as usual. That is leadership! Idaho has never seen a campaign like this in our state.
I don't give into pressure.
Grit, Diplomacy, Idaho Values, Courage, Strength, Resilience, Charisma, Kindness, Freedom, and Integrity.
To serve the people and to look out for eveyone.
The core responsibilities for someone elected to be Governor is to honor the commitments made to the people of Idaho, honor the Oath to the Idaho and U.S. Constitution, and ensure our government is executing the orders its given by the Legislature and Judiciary.
I would like to leave the legacy of giving power back to the people and shrinking government.
I want my posterity to remember me as someone who took a stand even when the cost was great. It's my deepest hope that my children and their future children could be inspired to tackle the biggest problems facing our country.
A Free and Safe Idaho for our kids and grandkids to enjoy
that would have to be the challenger disaster I was around the age of 6 and living in Florida.
My first job was working for my dad in painting business that he owned and ran for over 40 years I remember being around 10 years old helping to scrape paint and fill nail holes and getting things prepped for paint. We painting Ron Paul's house when I was a kid being able to play in his pool while my parents had there lunch then after lunch getting back to work.
To be the Governor is to put your citizens and your state first. You are the person they chose to carry out there will.
I recognize and appreciate the immense responsibilities associated with being the Governor of Idaho. To the citizens and voters of Idaho I make these five solemn promises: 1. I will work for Idaho families and NOT for special interests. 2. I will protect and promote our God-given rights. 3. I will enact winning free market policies that have been proven to boost wages and profits. 4. I will doggedly expose and fight corruption, cronyism, and waste in government. 5. I will not back down to socialist/communist activists or compromise with their demands.
In my opinion I believe it is most important for the governor and all elected officials to remember that they work for the people and that the true power is in the peoples hands and I believe that our elected officials have forgotten that and the pandemic has shown that.
The governor should be involved in all levels of it because they should know what is going on in there state at all times at all levels.
I believe the Governor must be involved in all financial programs of the state as the Governor oversee's the Division of Financial Management. Having a finance guy at the helm will be incredibly powerful because if you want truth in politics then you must “follow the money.” As a private citizen, I have already gone through thousands of pages of state fiscal and budgetary reports. Nothing happens in government without a funding mechanism. If you want real change then you’re going to need someone who understands finance and can “stop the bleeding.”
It would only be used in the event of something being passed that went against the sacrifices of the men and women of the armed forces and the sacrifices that there families are still making to this day.
As Governor, on day one I will request the budget for every agency in our state government and a box of red pens. I will use a line-item veto to cut special-interest pork from the budget and I will ban all state agencies from hiring lobbyists.
yes I do believe they should be able to have it so that things can be taken out. But I also believe that bills should be passed on there own and without any pork.
I believe they should work together on everything
The Governor and State Legislature must work together for the benefit of the citizens of the state. The Governor's responsibility is unique in the way that a Governor must lead out on a bold vision while honoring and executing the will of the Legislative branch.
there is to much to list here but I do love all of the out doors to start.
Idaho is the last foxhole for freedom. The beauty of the state is breathtaking and inspirational. The state is known for abundant scenery, wildlife, and untamed wilderness. We manage to balance the rugged freedoms with an active and productive business climate. Idaho serves as the headquarters for many great corporations. Jobs are available for those who want to work. As Governor, it will be my quest to prevent our great state from experiencing the increased crime, homelessness, and hopelessness found in other states.
That would have to be housing and roads and growth.
Our tax dollars are turned over to private organizations for the sole purpose of advancing a political agenda. This process empowers anti-American activists and harms our communities with insane policies that promote homelessness and the drug culture. We must stop it in Idaho.
I am from the government and I am here to help
In very little circumstances and only for a very limited amount of time. In the case of a pandemic no one should have the power to shut down any businesses not the mayor or the governor or the president.
The Governor should use emergency powers when the people of the state are in immediate danger from within or outside the State. But the Governor needs to honor the Legislature during the course of an emergency.



Campaign advertisements

This section includes a selection of up to three campaign advertisements per candidate released in this race, as well as links to candidates' YouTube, Vimeo, and/or Facebook video pages. If you are aware of other links that should be included, please email us.

Republican Party Brad Little

May 10, 2022
April 20, 2022
April 13, 2022

View more ads here:


Republican Party Steven Bradshaw

Have a link to Bradshaw's campaign ads on YouTube? Email us.

Republican Party Ben Cannady

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Cannady while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

Republican Party Ed Humphreys

May 5, 2022
April 24, 2022
June 7, 2021

View more ads here:


Republican Party Ashley Jackson

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Jackson while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

Republican Party Lisa Marie

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Marie while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

Republican Party Janice McGeachin

April 21, 2022
January 24, 2022
July 2, 2021

View more ads here:


Republican Party Cody Usabel

Ballotpedia did not come across any campaign ads for Usabel while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

Debates and forums

KTVB candidate interviews

On May 7, 2022, KTVB published interviews with Little, McGeachin, and Humphreys.[18]

Noteworthy endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section lists noteworthy endorsements issued in this election, including those made by high-profile individuals and organizations, cross-party endorsements, and endorsements made by newspaper editorial boards. It also includes a bulleted list of links to official lists of endorsements for any candidates who published that information on their campaign websites. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If you are aware of endorsements that should be included, please click here.


Republican primary endorsements
Endorser Republican Party Brad Little Republican Party Janice McGeachin
Individuals
Frmr. President Donald Trump  source  
Newspapers and editorials
Coeur d'Alene Press  source  
Idaho Press  source  
Organizations
Idaho Education Association  source  
Idaho Fraternal Order of Police  source  
Idaho Freedom PAC  source  
National Rifle Association of America Political Victory Fund  source  
Republican Liberty Caucus  source  

Election competitiveness

Polls

See also: Ballotpedia's approach to covering polls

We provide results for polls that are included in polling aggregation from FiveThirtyEight and RealClearPolitics, when available. No polls were available for this election. To notify us of polls published in this election, please email us.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from three outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, and Sabato's Crystal Ball. 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.[20]
  • 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.[21][22][23]

Race ratings: Idaho gubernatorial election, 2022
Race trackerRace ratings
November 8, 2022November 1, 2022October 25, 2022October 18, 2022
The Cook Political Report with Amy WalterSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid Republican
Inside Elections with Nathan L. GonzalesSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid RepublicanSolid Republican
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal BallSafe RepublicanSafe RepublicanSafe RepublicanSafe 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.

Election spending

Campaign finance

This section contains campaign finance figures from candidates submitted to the Idaho Secretary of State’s office in this election. It does not include information on spending by satellite groups. Click here to access the reports.

Election context

Ballot access requirements

The table below details filing requirements for gubernatorial candidates in Idaho in the 2022 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Idaho, click here.

Filing requirements for gubernatorial candidates, 2022
State Office Party Signatures required Filing fee Filing deadline Source
Idaho Governor Ballot-qualified party 1,000[24] $300.00 3/13/2022 Source
Idaho Governor Unaffiliated 1,000 N/A 3/13/2022 Source

Idaho gubernatorial election history

2018

See also: Idaho gubernatorial election, 2018

General election

General election for Governor of Idaho

Brad Little defeated Paulette E. Jordan, Bev Boeck, and Walter Bayes in the general election for Governor of Idaho on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/nLmyuaDA_400x400.jpg
Brad Little (R)
 
59.8
 
361,661
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Paulette-Jordan.jpeg
Paulette E. Jordan (D) Candidate Connection
 
38.2
 
231,081
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Bev Boeck (L)
 
1.1
 
6,551
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Walter Bayes (Constitution Party)
 
1.0
 
5,787
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.0
 
51

Total votes: 605,131
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Idaho

Paulette E. Jordan defeated A.J. Balukoff and Peter Dill in the Democratic primary for Governor of Idaho on May 15, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Paulette-Jordan.jpeg
Paulette E. Jordan Candidate Connection
 
58.4
 
38,505
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/A.J._Balukoff.jpg
A.J. Balukoff
 
40.1
 
26,423
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Peter_041310_0003.jpg
Peter Dill Candidate Connection
 
1.4
 
954

Total votes: 65,882
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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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
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/nLmyuaDA_400x400.jpg
Brad Little
 
37.3
 
72,548
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Raul-Labrador.PNG
Raúl Labrador
 
32.6
 
63,478
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Tommy Ahlquist
 
26.2
 
51,008
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Lisa_Marie.jpeg
Lisa Marie
 
1.7
 
3,397
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Steve_Pankey.jpg
Steven Pankey Candidate Connection
 
1.4
 
2,704
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Harley_Brown.jpg
Harley Brown
 
0.4
 
874
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Ben Cannady
 
0.3
 
527

Total votes: 194,536
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2014

See also: Idaho Gubernatorial election, 2014
Governor of Idaho, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Republican Green check mark transparent.pngButch Otter Incumbent 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


State profile

USA Idaho location map.svg
Demographic data for Idaho
 IdahoU.S.
Total population:1,652,828316,515,021
Land area (sq mi):82,6433,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White:91.7%73.6%
Black/African American:0.6%12.6%
Asian:1.3%5.1%
Native American:1.3%0.8%
Pacific Islander:0.1%0.2%
Two or more:2.6%3%
Hispanic/Latino:11.8%17.1%
Education
High school graduation rate:89.5%86.7%
College graduation rate:25.9%29.8%
Income
Median household income:$47,583$53,889
Persons below poverty level:16.9%11.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015)
Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Idaho.
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.

Presidential voting pattern

See also: Presidential voting trends in Idaho

Idaho voted Republican in all six presidential elections between 2000 and 2020.


More Idaho coverage on Ballotpedia

Election analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about demographics, past elections, and partisan control of the state.

  • Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the state.
  • Statewide elections - Information about recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections in the state.
  • State partisanship - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.
  • Demographics - Information about the state's demographics and how they compare to the country as a whole.

Presidential elections

See also: Presidential voting trends in Idaho and The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Cook PVI by congressional district

Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index for Idaho, 2022
District Incumbent Party PVI
Idaho's 1st Russ Fulcher Ends.png Republican R+22
Idaho's 2nd Mike Simpson Ends.png Republican R+14


2020 presidential results by 2022 congressional district lines

2020 presidential results in congressional districts based on 2022 district lines, Idaho[25]
District Joe Biden Democratic Party Donald Trump Republican Party
Idaho's 1st 29.5% 67.7%
Idaho's 2nd 36.9% 59.8%


2012-2020

How a state's counties vote in a presidential election and the size of those counties can provide additional insights into election outcomes at other levels of government including statewide and congressional races. Below, four categories are used to describe each county's voting pattern over the 2012, 2016, and 2020 presidential elections: Solid, Trending, Battleground, and New. Click [show] on the table below for examples:


Following the 2020 presidential election, 95.9% of Idahoans lived in one of the state's 41 Solid Republican counties, which voted for the Republican presidential candidate in every election from 2012 to 2020, and 3.5% lived in the state's two Solid Democratic counties: Blaine and Latah. Overall, Idaho was Solid Republican, having voted for Mitt Romney (R) in 2012, Donald Trump (R) in 2016, and Donald Trump (R) in 2020. Use the table below to view the total number of each type of county in Idaho following the 2020 election as well as the overall percentage of the state population located in each county type.

Historical voting trends

Idaho presidential election results (1900-2020)

  • 9 Democratic wins
  • 22 Republican wins
Year 1900 1904 1908 1912 1916 1920 1924 1928 1932 1936 1940 1944 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2020
Winning Party D R R D D R R R D D D D D R R R D R R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Statewide elections

This section details the results of the five most recent U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections held in the state.

U.S. Senate elections

See also: List of United States Senators from Idaho

The table below details the vote in the five most recent U.S. Senate races in Idaho.

U.S. Senate election results in Idaho
Race Winner Runner up
2020 62.6%Republican Party 33.3%Democratic Party
2016 66.1%Republican Party 27.8%Democratic Party
2014 65.3%Republican Party 34.7%Democratic Party
2010 71.1%Republican Party 25.0%Democratic Party
2008 57.7%Republican Party 34.1%Democratic Party
Average 64.6 31.0

Gubernatorial elections

See also: Governor of Idaho

The table below details the vote in the five most recent gubernatorial elections in Idaho.

Gubernatorial election results in Idaho
Race Winner Runner up
2018 59.8%Republican Party 38.2%Democratic Party
2014 53.5%Republican Party 38.6%Democratic Party
2010 59.1%Republican Party 32.9%Democratic Party
2006 52.7%Republican Party 44.1%Democratic Party
2002 56.3%Republican Party 41.7%Democratic Party
Average 56.3 39.1

State partisanship

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of Idaho's congressional delegation as of November 2022.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Idaho, November 2022
Party U.S. Senate U.S. House Total
Democratic 0 0 0
Republican 2 2 4
Independent 0 0 0
Vacancies 0 0 0
Total 2 2 4

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in Idaho's top four state executive offices as of November 2022.

State executive officials in Idaho, November 2022
Office Officeholder
Governor Republican Party Brad Little
Lieutenant Governor Republican Party Janice McGeachin
Secretary of State Republican Party Lawerence Denney
Attorney General Republican Party Lawrence Wasden

State legislature

The tables below highlight the partisan composition of the Idaho State Legislature as of November 2022.

Idaho State Senate

Party As of November 2022
     Democratic Party 7
     Republican Party 28
     Vacancies 0
Total 35

Idaho House of Representatives

Party As of November 2022
     Democratic Party 12
     Republican Party 58
     Vacancies 0
Total 70

Trifecta control

As of November 2022, Idaho was a Republican trifecta, with majorities in both chambers of the state legislature and control of the governorship. The table below displays the historical trifecta status of the state.

Idaho Party Control: 1992-2022
No Democratic trifectas  •  Twenty-eight years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Governor D D D R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R
Senate R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R
House R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R R

Demographics

The table below details demographic data in Idaho and compares it to the broader United States as of 2019.

Demographic Data for Idaho
Idaho United States
Population 1,839,106 331,449,281
Land area (sq mi) 82,644 3,531,905
Race and ethnicity**
White 88.4% 70.4%
Black/African American 0.7% 12.6%
Asian 1.4% 5.6%
Native American 1.3% 0.8%
Pacific Islander 0.2% 0.2%
Two or more 4.3% 5.2%
Hispanic/Latino 12.7% 18.2%
Education
High school graduation rate 91.3% 88.5%
College graduation rate 28.7% 32.9%
Income
Median household income $58,915 $64,994
Persons below poverty level 11.9% 12.8%
Source: population provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "Decennial Census" (2020). Other figures provided by U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2015-2020).
**Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here.


2022 battleground elections

See also: Battlegrounds

This election was a battleground race. Other 2022 battleground elections included:

See also

Idaho State Executive Elections News and Analysis
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Idaho State Executive Offices
Idaho State Legislature
Idaho Courts
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Idaho elections: 202420232022202120202019201820172016
Party control of state government
State government trifectas
State of the state addresses
Partisan composition of governors

External links

Footnotes

  1. Idaho Press, "Little, McGeachin file to run for governor, will face off in Republican primary," March 11, 2022
  2. 2.0 2.1 Idaho Statesman, "Top Idaho Republicans Little, McGeachin to face off in GOP primary election," March 12, 2022
  3. Idaho Press, "GOP primary for governor is one for the history books," April 23, 2022
  4. Idaho Capital Sun, "Idaho Gov. Brad Little files for re-election, enters GOP governor’s primary," March 11, 2022
  5. The Idaho Constitution says that if the governor is absent from the state, the duties of the office transfer to the lieutenant governor. According to Corbin, on October 7, 2021, two days after the second executive order, the state attorney general's office "issued an opinion that a court could conclude that the governor’s absence from the state ... means 'effective absence' and not 'physical absence.'" Corbin reported that Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Kane "also wrote that courts in other states have addressed the issue and been split about whether absence means physical absence or effective absence." While McGeachin interpreted the constitution to mean physical absence, Little disagreed, and said McGeachin's actions "were without legal authority."
  6. AP News, "Idaho lieutenant governor bans mask mandates," May 27, 2021
  7. The Spokesman-Review, "Governor rescinds McGeachin’s executive order, calls it ‘irresponsible abuse of power,'" May 28, 2021
  8. Boise State Public Radio News, "McGeachin and Little battle over COVID-related executive orders — again," October 5, 2021
  9. Idaho Statesman, "Idaho Gov. Brad Little repeals Lt. Gov. McGeachin’s executive order — from Texas," October 6, 2021
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Longview News-Journal, "2022 Primary Elections: Idaho Governor," May 1, 2022
  11. Idaho Statesman, "Former President Donald Trump issues his endorsement for Idaho governor," November 11, 2021
  12. Office of the Governor, "About Governor Brad Little," accessed March 23, 2022
  13. Western Governors' Association, "Brad Little," accessed March 23, 2022
  14. Phi Delta Theta Museum, "Brad Little," accessed March 23, 2022
  15. Office of the Idaho Lt. Governor, "About Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin," accessed March 23, 2022
  16. Politico, "Why There’s a Civil War in Idaho — Inside the GOP," January 18, 2022
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Idaho Secretary of State's Office, "Campaign Finance Reporting Schedule 2022," accessed March 15, 2022
  18. 18.0 18.1 KTVB, "Viewpoint: Republican candidates for governor discuss Idaho's big issues," May 7, 2022
  19. CBS2, "Debate for Idaho governor canceled after Little, McGeachin opt out," April 19, 2022
  20. Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
  21. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
  22. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
  23. Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018
  24. Petition signatures only required in lieu of filing fee.
  25. Daily Kos, "Daily Kos Elections' presidential results by congressional district for 2020, 2016, and 2012," accessed September 9, 2022