Who’s running in Idaho Legislature’s District 12 primary? Hear from the candidates

Two Canyon County candidates are seeking the Republican nomination for District 12’s seat in the Idaho Senate this May.

Incumbent Sen. Ben Adams, a military retiree, is seeking his third term in the Senate after previously serving in the state House of Representatives. He’s facing a challenge from Shaun M. Simmons, a security contractor who most recently ran for the Nampa City Council last fall.

The winner of the race will meet Democratic candidate Krystal Flippence in the general election in November.

The historically conservative district covers a broad swath of Nampa south of Interstate 84. There’s no primary for other seats in the district. Incumbent Republican Rep. Jeff Cornilles is slated to face Democratic challenger Sterling Barnett in the general election for Seat A in the House. And Republican Rep. Jaron Crane is running against Democrat Curtis James in the election for Seat B.

The Idaho Statesman asked the two candidates in the contested Senate primary to discuss their backgrounds and priorities ahead of Election Day on May 19.

Here’s what they had to say on the issues. Be sure to use the slider at the bottom of the page if their answers don’t fit the screen on your device.