Idaho voters head to the polls Tuesday to select their representatives in the U.S. House for the next two years, with both of the state's congressional seats held by Republicans and both incumbents seeking another term.
The Gem State's two districts are solidly Republican, and the races are expected to favor the GOP incumbents. However, the contests feature a mix of Democratic and independent challengers, adding some intrigue to the otherwise predictable electoral landscape.
First District: Fulcher faces repeat challengers
In the 1st District, which covers western Boise and the Idaho panhandle, four-term Republican Rep. Russ Fulcher is running for reelection. He faces two opponents: Democrat Kaylee Peterson, an artisan jeweler who has been the Democratic nominee for the third consecutive cycle, having previously run against Fulcher in 2022 and 2024, and retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Sarah Zabel, who is running as an independent.
Fulcher, a conservative Republican known for his staunch opposition to federal spending and support for Idaho's agricultural and energy interests, has easily won his previous races in this heavily Republican district. Peterson's campaign has focused on issues like healthcare access and economic fairness, while Zabel, a retired military officer, has positioned herself as a moderate alternative.
The 1st District race is part of the broader national landscape, where Republicans are defending their narrow House majority. Similar contests are playing out in other states, such as Florida's redrawn map, where the GOP is seeking to expand its advantage.
Second District: Simpson seeks 15th term
The 2nd District, encompassing the rest of Boise and eastern Idaho, has been represented by Republican Mike Simpson for nearly three decades. First elected in 1998, Simpson is running for his 15th term. His Democratic challenger is Elinor Gilbreath, a lawyer.
Simpson, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, has a reputation for securing federal funding for Idaho projects, including those related to the Idaho National Laboratory. His long tenure has made him a fixture in Idaho politics, and he has not faced a serious challenge in recent years.
Gilbreath, a relative newcomer to politics, has campaigned on issues such as protecting public lands and expanding access to affordable healthcare. She has criticized Simpson's record on environmental issues and his support for certain federal policies.
The race in the 2nd District is also unfolding against the backdrop of other statewide contests. Idaho voters are also deciding on the governor's race, where incumbent Republican Brad Little is seeking a third term, a race that has drawn attention as Little seeks another term. Additionally, the state's Senate race features incumbent Republican Jim Risch, who is facing an unusual independent bid, as Risch seeks a fourth term.
Polls close at 10 p.m. EST, and results are expected to come in shortly thereafter. Given the Republican dominance in Idaho, both Fulcher and Simpson are widely expected to win, but the challengers' campaigns have highlighted issues that could resonate with some voters, particularly around cost of living, which has been a key concern for many Americans, as recent polling shows cost of living is a key issue for voters.
As the night unfolds, the outcome in Idaho's House races will be a measure of the GOP's strength in the state, even as national Republicans face headwinds. The results will also set the stage for the next Congress, where control of the House hangs in the balance.
