Idaho Attorney Reflects on Political Career as America Celebrates 250 Years

David Leroy, a longtime Idaho attorney, discusses his extensive political history and connections to Abraham Lincoln.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Despite losing bids for Idaho governor and Congress, 78-year-old David Leroy, a longtime Idaho attorney, says he doesn't have any 'political work left undone.' Leroy has had an extensive political career in Idaho, serving as Ada County prosecutor, Idaho Attorney General, and Lieutenant Governor. He also ran unsuccessfully for Idaho's first Congressional District. Leroy is also a historian and founder of the Idaho Lincoln Institute, which promotes Lincoln's ideals. In this interview, Leroy looks back on his political career, shares memorable experiences, and discusses his political hero, Abraham Lincoln, and Lincoln's surprising connections to Idaho.

Why it matters

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, Leroy's reflections on his political career and his work to promote Lincoln's ideals provide valuable insights into Idaho's political history and the lasting impact of influential figures like Lincoln.

The details

Leroy's political career began in the 1970s as Ada County prosecutor, followed by a term as Idaho Attorney General, where he was elected at the age of 31, making him the youngest attorney general in the nation at the time. He later served as Lieutenant Governor under Democratic Governor John Evans. Leroy lost a bid for Idaho governor in 1986 by less than one percentage point. He also ran unsuccessfully for Idaho's first Congressional District in 1994 and 2017. Leroy is the founder of the Idaho Lincoln Institute, which aims to promote Lincoln's ideals and 'help chart a new course to orient and enliven the Idaho electorate as a rallying point for the rest of the Nation.'

  • Leroy was elected Idaho Attorney General in 1978 at the age of 31.
  • Leroy served as Lieutenant Governor under Governor John Evans from 1982 to 1986.
  • Leroy lost the Idaho gubernatorial race against Cecil Andrus in 1986 by only eight-tenths of a percent.
  • Leroy ran for Idaho's first Congressional District in 1994 and 2017, finishing second in the Republican primary in 1994 and losing to Russ Fulcher in 2017.
  • America is celebrating 250 years of independence in 2026.

The players

David Leroy

A 78-year-old Boise man who has had an extensive political career in Idaho, serving as Ada County prosecutor, Idaho Attorney General, and Lieutenant Governor. He also ran unsuccessfully for Idaho governor and Congress.

John Evans

The Democratic Governor of Idaho whom Leroy served under as Lieutenant Governor.

Cecil Andrus

The Idaho governor who defeated Leroy in the 1986 gubernatorial race.

Russ Fulcher

The current U.S. Representative for Idaho's first Congressional District, who defeated Leroy in the 2017 Republican primary.

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th President of the United States, whose ideals Leroy's Idaho Lincoln Institute aims to promote.

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What they’re saying

“Despite losing a bid for Idaho governor with less than one percentage point and failing twice to represent Idaho in Congress, David Leroy says he doesn't have any 'political work left undone.'”

— David Leroy

What’s next

Leroy's nonprofit, the Idaho Lincoln Institute, will continue to promote Lincoln's ideals and 'help chart a new course to orient and enliven the Idaho electorate as a rallying point for the rest of the Nation' as America celebrates 250 years of independence.

The takeaway

Leroy's reflections on his political career and his work to promote Lincoln's ideals provide valuable insights into Idaho's political history and the lasting impact of influential figures like Lincoln, especially as the nation celebrates a major milestone in its history.