Idaho Governor Advances Towards Third Term

Idaho’s Republican Governor, Brad Little, has successfully defeated several challengers in the state’s gubernatorial primary, taking a notable step toward securing a third term.

According to reports, Little triumphed over seven opponents, bolstered by the full backing of former President Donald Trump, who publicly endorsed him prior to the primary.

Among the challengers was Mark Fitzpatrick, a retired police officer, who made headlines for some controversial remarks regarding members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a significant demographic in Idaho.

This year, Little signed legislation aimed at imposing criminal penalties on transgender individuals who use restrooms or locker rooms that do not align with their biological sex, making it one of the more expansive bathroom laws in the nation. The law also extends to private businesses.

Additionally, the governor enacted a bill prohibiting public schools from using tax funds to support certain activities of teachers’ unions. His re-election platform emphasizes deregulation, school choice, and tax reductions.

Having previously served as a state senator and lieutenant governor, Little first entered office in 2018. The Cook Political Report categorizes his re-election campaign as “solidly Republican,” suggesting that the upcoming race may lack significant competition.

Since 1990, Idaho has not elected a Democrat as governor, and in the 2024 election, Trump won the state by a substantial margin of around 36 points.