Idaho Primary 2026: Partial Results Show Risch, Little, Fulcher, Simpson Leading in Early Returns
Statewide Incumbents Hold Strong in Republican Primaries
Partial results from Idaho’s May 2026 primary election, reported as of early Wednesday morning, show incumbent officeholders leading across major statewide and congressional races, while local contests in Nez Perce County and surrounding districts produced some competitive finishes.
In the race for U.S. Senate, incumbent Republican Jim Risch held a commanding lead on the Republican side with 152,785 votes in partial returns, well ahead of challengers Josh Roy (32,638) and Joe Evans (32,153). Denny LaVe trailed with 9,893 votes. On the Democratic side, David Roth led with 29,309 votes over Brad Moore’s 14,737 and Nickolas 007 Bonds’ 3,311.
For Idaho’s 1st Congressional District, incumbent Republican Rep. Russ Fulcher held a strong lead with 97,702 votes against Andy Briner (14,169) and Joseph P. Morrison (13,297). Democrat Kaylee Peterson led that party’s field with 18,320 votes to Kenneth Brungardt’s 2,714.
In the 2nd Congressional District, Republican Rep. Mike Simpson led with 62,705 votes, followed by Brian Keene at 20,780 and Perry Shumway at 15,586. Democrat Ellie Gilbreath held the top spot on her side with 19,431 votes ahead of Julie Wiley’s 7,362.
The governor’s race showed incumbent Republican Gov. Brad Little with a substantial lead at 138,108 votes over his closest primary challenger, Mark Fitzpatrick, who collected 67,379. A crowded field of six additional Republican challengers split the remaining vote. Democrat Terri Pickens led her party’s gubernatorial contest with 30,125 votes.
Voters in Lewiston cast their ballots at the Nez Perce County Fairgrounds, among other locations across the region. For a full look at how early results shaped local contests, see our earlier coverage: Idaho Primary Election: Early Unofficial Results Shape Local Races in Nez Perce County.
Local and Legislative Races Draw Competitive Contests
At the legislative level, results from District 6 — which covers portions of the Lewiston area — were reported as full returns. On the Republican side, incumbent Dan Foreman narrowly edged Lori McCann in the State Senate race, 4,243 to 3,806. For State Representative Seat A, Colton Bennett defeated Cindy Agidius 4,860 to 3,034 on the Republican side, while Trish Carter-Goodheart led the Democratic primary 1,382 to 1,169 over Bryce Blankenship. State Representative Seat B Democrat Kathy Dawes ran largely unopposed in a meaningful sense, pulling 2,394 votes to Kenneth D. Williams’ 242.
In District 7, partial returns showed Kyle Harris leading Michael G. Collins for Seat A, 4,528 to 3,491, and Charlie Shepherd ahead of Maureen Anderson for Seat B, 5,586 to 2,319.
For Nez Perce County Commissioner District 2, full results showed Nick Woods defeating Keith Havens 3,294 to 2,020 in the Republican primary, effectively determining the seat in this reliably Republican county.
In neighboring counties, Lewis County Republican primary voters selected Sandi Herker Berry for County Treasurer and JoAnn Watson for County Assessor. In Clearwater County, Vincent C. Frazier narrowly bested Kelly Coursey for Commissioner District 2, 737 to 707, and JoAnn Davis won the Clerk of the District Court race over Savannah Bertholf.
School Levies Passing in Partial Returns Across Region
Several school districts across north-central Idaho placed supplemental levy measures before voters Tuesday. In partial returns, the Culdesac School District levy was passing 139 to 77, while the Potlatch School District measure showed the closest contest at 558 yes to 498 no. Levies in the Highland, Whitepine, Cottonwood, Salmon River, Grangeville, and Nezperce school districts were also tracking toward passage in early returns, though all were listed as partial at time of publication.
Nez Perce County had reminded voters in the days prior to the election of early voting opportunities and ballot return deadlines — see our earlier report: Nez Perce County reminds voters of early voting, ballot return deadlines for May primary.
What Comes Next
All results reported above are unofficial partial returns as of early Wednesday morning and are subject to change as remaining ballots are counted and certified. County clerks across the region will continue tabulating votes in the days ahead. Winners of contested Republican primaries in heavily GOP districts will be considered strong favorites heading into the November 2026 general election. Nez Perce County News will continue updating results as official canvasses are completed.