17 Candidates File to Run for Idaho Governor

Numerous people have filed to run for Idaho's Governor and other state positions ahead of the primary election.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:18am

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With the deadline having passed for candidate filing for the primary election, numerous people have filed to run for Idaho's Governor and other state positions. EastIdahoNews.com is posting contested races throughout the state this week.

Why it matters

The upcoming Idaho gubernatorial election will be a key race, with 17 candidates vying to become the state's next governor. The results could have significant implications for Idaho's policies and direction.

The details

The Republican Primary election is happening on May 19 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The candidates running for Governor include incumbent Republican Brad Little, as well as several other Republican, Libertarian, Independent, and Democratic candidates. Other state offices like Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, State Controller, State Treasurer, Attorney General, and Superintendent of Public Instruction also have candidates from various parties running.

  • The candidate filing deadline has passed.
  • The Republican Primary election is happening on May 19 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The players

Brad Little

The incumbent Republican candidate for Idaho Governor.

Mark Fitzpatrick

A Republican candidate for Idaho Governor.

Maxine Durand

A Democratic candidate for Idaho Governor.

Debbie Critchfield

The incumbent Republican candidate for Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Raul R. Labrador

The incumbent Republican candidate for Idaho Attorney General.

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What’s next

Voters in Idaho will head to the polls on May 19 for the Republican Primary election to select their gubernatorial and other state candidates.

The takeaway

The large number of candidates running for Idaho's top offices reflects the competitive nature of the state's political landscape. Voters will have many options to choose from in the upcoming primary election, which could shape the direction of the state for years to come.