Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane Announces Reelection Bid

McGrane cites his record on elections oversight, public lands management, and business regulation.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Phil McGrane, the current Idaho Secretary of State, announced that he is seeking reelection in 2026. McGrane, who was first elected in 2022, has focused his tenure on election security, transparency, and modernization of state systems. He oversaw what was described as the largest election in state history in 2024 and has partnered with county clerks to adopt the '12 Principles of Idaho Elections'. McGrane has also worked on public lands management as a member of the Idaho Land Board and opposed the federal Corporate Transparency Act.

Why it matters

As the state's chief elections officer, the Secretary of State plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and accessibility of Idaho's elections. McGrane's reelection bid comes at a time of heightened scrutiny on election processes across the country. His record on elections, as well as his involvement in other state issues like public lands and business regulation, will be closely watched by both supporters and critics.

The details

During his first term, McGrane oversaw what was described as the largest election in Idaho history in 2024. He also testified before Congress regarding the state's election practices and partnered with county clerks to adopt the '12 Principles of Idaho Elections'. Additionally, as a member of the Idaho Land Board, McGrane has worked with industry representatives in timber, mining, agriculture, and recreation, and completed training as a wildland firefighter. McGrane has also opposed the federal Corporate Transparency Act, leading an effort to file an amicus brief with other secretaries of state challenging the law's reporting requirements for businesses.

  • McGrane was first elected as Idaho's Secretary of State in 2022.
  • The 2024 election that McGrane oversaw was described as the largest in state history.
  • McGrane's reelection campaign begins ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

The players

Phil McGrane

The current Idaho Secretary of State who is seeking reelection in 2026. McGrane has focused his tenure on election security, transparency, and modernization of state systems.

Brad Little

The Governor of Idaho, with whom McGrane partnered to implement the Only Citizens Can Vote Act.

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What’s next

McGrane's reelection campaign will be closely watched in the lead-up to the 2026 election cycle, with a focus on his record on elections, public lands management, and business regulation.

The takeaway

As Idaho's Secretary of State, Phil McGrane has positioned himself as a defender of election integrity and transparency, while also taking on broader state issues like public lands and business regulation. His reelection bid will be a test of his record and vision for the state.