Boise-area voters: See who’s running in the May primary for Ada, Canyon offices
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- May 19 primary could decide races where no general-election opposition exists.
- Canyon County had no Democratic filings; some incumbents unopposed.
- Ada County: competitive District 1 and three-way coroner race.
It’s that time of year: Treasure Valley voters will soon choose which Democrats or Republicans they want in representing them at the county level.
Primary voters in Idaho will go to the polls Tuesday, May 19, to select which of their party’s candidates will advance to the November general election, although candidates who don’t face a primary opponent will move ahead automatically. This is an election year for some county commissioners, clerks, treasurers, assessors and coroners in Ada and Canyon counties. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
For a candidate who wins the primary and faces no opposition in the other party, the May primary typically decides the election. That could be the case in 2026 in deeply red Canyon County, where no Democrat filed for any office, though one candidate filed as an independent.
In Ada County, voters will see familiar faces amid a plethora of candidates for District 1 commissioner. In that race, one Republican, Holly Cook, is gearing up to challenge incumbent Ryan Davidson, a deeply conservative figure. Two Democrats also seek the seat, which encompasses downtown Boise, Garden City and the Foothills.
That race also includes former Garden City City Council candidate Kelceymarie Warner, one of two people vying for the Democratic nomination to a board that last had a Democrat in 2023. She faces C. Aaron Swisher, who ran unsuccessfully in 2020 against U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson.
For Ada County coroner, Dotti Owens — who held the job for two terms until Republican Rich Riffle narrowly defeated her in 2022 — is back as the only Democrat who filed for the job. Riffle is not seeking re-election.
The incumbent treasurer, Elizabeth “Beth” Mahn, filed for re-election but withdrew after the filing deadline.
“It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve the citizens of Ada County,” Mahn said in a statement Tuesday. “I’m incredibly grateful for the trust voters have placed in me and for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated public servants.”
Only 11 people have filed in Canyon County for local offices, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. The incumbent county clerk, treasurer and assessor appear likely to sail easily to re-election in November, with no opposition.
But there’s still some intrigue. For example, in District 1, which covers the area north and east of Interstate 84, four candidates are vying for the spot vacated by controversial Commissioner Leslie Van Beek.
Early voting begins in Ada County on May 4 and will be open through May 15, according to the Ada County Clerk’s website. In Canyon County, early voters can make their choices from April 27 through May 15, according to the Canyon County Elections’ website.
Who’s running in Ada County
Ada County Commissioner District 1
- Ryan Davidson, Republican (incumbent)
- Holly Cook, Republican
- C. Aaron Swisher, Democratic
- Kelceymarie Warner, Democratic
Ada County Commissioner District 2
- Rod W. Beck, Republican (incumbent)
- Michael Fitzgerald, Democratic
- Otto Rene Gramajo, Democratic
Ada County Clerk
- Trent Tripple, Republican (incumbent)
Ada County Treasurer
- Rob Brown, Republican
- Todd Christensen, Republican
- April Frederick, Democratic
Ada County Assessor
- Rebecca W. Arnold, Republican (incumbent)
- Erik Olson, Democratic
Ada County Coroner
- Brett Harding, Republican
- Tim Flaherty, Republican
- Dotti Owens, Democratic
Who’s running in Canyon County
Canyon County Commissioner District 1
- Jeffrey A. Skinner, Independent
- Scott Brock, Republican
- Stewart Hyndman, Republican
- Travis Palmer, Republican
Canyon County Commissioner District 2
- Brian Stroops, Democratic
- Brad Holton, Republican (incumbent)
Canyon County Clerk
- Jess Urresti, Republican (incumbent)
Canyon County Treasurer
- Jennifer Watters, Republican (incumbent)
Canyon County Assessor
- Brian R. Stender, Republican (incumbent)
Canyon County Coroner
- Jennifer Crawford, Republican (incumbent)
- Sydney Walker, Republican
This story was originally published March 23, 2026 at 4:00 AM.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Brian Stroops’ political party.
