Still undecided? Here are the Idaho Statesman’s primary endorsements | Opinion
Over the past several weeks, the Idaho Statesman editorial board interviewed dozens of candidates in federal, statewide, legislative and county races and, for the first time, in a judicial district race. We endorsed in the Republican and Democratic primaries for governor, both primaries for Ada County commissioner and a couple of legislative races.
Below is a breakdown of all of our endorsements. You can find the full endorsements for each race online at idahostatesman.com/opinion/editorials.
Republican primary for Idaho governor: Brad Little
Idaho Gov. Brad Little faces no fewer than seven opponents in the upcoming Republican primary as he tries for his third term as governor.
Among the field of Republican candidates, Little stands head and shoulders above the rest.
He has the legislative and executive experience needed to get things done, such as increasing public education funding and establishing the Idaho Launch scholarship program.
We don’t agree with all of his decisions, but we recognize he’s doing his best to thread the needle when faced with a constant barrage of criticism from not only the left but the far-right faction of his party.
The Idaho Statesman endorses Brad Little in the Republican primary for Idaho governor.
Democratic primary for Idaho governor: Terri Pickens
Democratic voters have three viable candidates to choose from in the upcoming primary election for Idaho governor. Terri Pickens is a Boise attorney, small business owner and founding partner of Pickens Law. Pickens ran as the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 2022 and emphasizes unity, protecting public lands, civil rights and resisting billionaire influence in politics.
The Idaho Statesman endorses Terri Pickens in the Democratic primary for Idaho governor.
4th Judicial District Judge: Jeffrey Street Jr.
In a rare contested race for a district judge position, voters in Idaho’s Fourth Judicial District have three candidates to choose from.
Each of the candidates — David Morse, Jeffrey Street and Greg Woodard — brings unique qualifications and types of experience to the race, and we found few differences in their answers to the editorial board’s interview questions.
But we were more impressed with some of the answers of Street, who also earned the highest score in the Idaho State Bar’s survey of attorneys and judges on the qualifications of judicial candidates for contested races.
The Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses Jeffrey Street for district judge in Idaho’s Fourth Judicial District.
Democratic primary for Ada County Commission: Kelceymarie Warner
Aaron Swisher and Kelceymarie Warner are running in the Democratic primary for Ada County Commission in District 1, a seat now held by Ryan Davidson, who is also facing a challenger in the Republican primary. Whoever wins the Democratic primary is going to have a tough time against the Republican candidate, as commission seats are voted on by the entire county, which, as a whole, is majority Republican.
Both Swisher and Warner would represent Democrats well and could put up a good fight in the general election. But we give Warner a slight edge in this campaign. The Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses Kelceymarie Warner in the Democratic primary for Ada County Commission in District 1.
Republican primary for Ada County Commission: Holly Cook
Ada County Commissioner Ryan Davidson is facing a challenger in the Republican primary for his District 1 seat from Holly Cook, a communications professional with a history of government work.
Cook’s top priorities are transparency and open government, making sure growth pays for itself and expanding the county jail. Cook supports the idea of a county-level land trust that could be used toward affordable housing. She supports Valley Regional Transit, noting that public transportation is a key factor in affordability. She also supports long-term planning now for a future commuter rail line between Caldwell and Boise.
The Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses Holly Cook in the Republican primary.
Democratic primary for Idaho House, 16A
Democratic voters in legislative District 16 have two very good candidates to choose from in the primary race for seat 16A. Jeffrey Watkins and Megan Woller are seeking to replace Soñia Galaviz, who is vacating the seat to run for Senate.
Woller has the endorsements of outgoing Sen. Ali Rabe as well as Sen. Melissa Wintrow and House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel.
She also earns ours: The Idaho Statesman endorses Megan Woller in the Democratic primary for Idaho House seat 16A.
Democratic primary for Idaho Senate, District 16
Idaho Rep. Soñia Galaviz, D-Boise, is a smart, level-headed moderate who can work across the aisle and has proven to be an excellent legislator for District 16 over the past four years. Now, she’s looking to move over to the Senate, to fill the seat vacated by outgoing Sen. Ali Rabe, who endorsed Galaviz in this race.
The Idaho Statesman likewise endorses Galaviz in the upcoming Democratic primary for state Senate in District 16, which includes west Boise.
Republican primary for Idaho Senate, District 11: No endorsement
We wish the Republican voters in Canyon County’s District 11, which includes Caldwell, had better options. Chris Trakel, who was unseated two years ago by now-Sen. Camille Blaylock, is seeking to retake his seat.
Blaylock didn’t even respond to multiple requests for an interview, and Trakel holds some views that are just too radical for us to endorse.
Democratic primary for U.S. Senate: David Roth
Three Idaho Democrats are running in the primary for U.S. Senate for the seat held by Republican Sen. Jim Risch, who is running in a primary himself. The candidates are Nickolas Bonds, Brad Moore and David Roth.
The Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses David Roth in this race. Roth has the best chance of winning in the general election, likely against Risch. Roth has run for federal office in Idaho before, including against U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson in 2022.
Democratic primary for U.S. House, District 1
In a rare Democratic primary for federal office in Idaho, two candidates are vying to be on the ticket in November for a U.S. House seat in the 1st Congressional District, a seat currently held by Republican Russ Fulcher. Three-time candidate Kaylee Peterson faces a primary challenger this time around in Ken Brungardt, a retiree who lives in Meridian.
Peterson is more eloquent and knowledgeable about the issues. She acknowledges the district’s deep red conservatism and distances herself from her party where necessary. Her previous two runs have only made her more polished, pointed and more fiery in her answers. We would love to see a head-to-head debate between Peterson and Fulcher, and we encourage voters to make that happen.
The Idaho Statesman endorses Peterson in the Democratic primary for the U.S. House in the 1st Congressional District.
Statesman editorials are the opinion of the Idaho Statesman’s editorial board. Board members are opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, editor Chadd Cripe, assistant editor Jim Keyser and community members John Hess, Debbie McCormick and Julie Yamamoto.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHow we write endorsements
Who decides the endorsements?
Members of Idaho Statesman editorial board interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The editorial board is composed of journalists and community members. Members of the Statesman editorial board are: Statesman editor Chadd Cripe, opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, assistant editor Jim Keyser and community members John Hess, Debbie McCormick and Julie Yamamoto.
What does the endorsement process entail?
The Statesman editorial board meets with political candidates and asks them a series of questions about policy issues. The editorial board discusses the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous. The editorial board generally will not endorse a candidate who does not agree to an interview with the board members.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well-prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues and their understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats. We make recommendations about who the best-qualified candidates for these jobs are.
Why are endorsements unsigned?
Endorsements reflect the collective views of the Statesman’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. Board members all discuss and contribute ideas to each endorsement editorial.
Do I have to vote for the candidate the Statesman endorses?
Of course not. An endorsement is just our recommendation based on the candidates’ backgrounds and their answers to editorial board questions.
Can I disagree with the Statesman’s endorsement?
Of course you can. We encourage voters to do their own research and choose the candidate who best represents your views.
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Readers are encouraged to express their thoughts by submitting a letter to the editor. Click on “Submit a letter or opinion” at idahostatesman.com/opinion.
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