Democrat Richard Gayler Announces Bid for Idaho Senate District 6 Seat

Gayler, a former U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer, says he will focus on increasing school funding and supporting small businesses and agriculture.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Democrat Richard Gayler has announced his candidacy for the Idaho State Senate District 6 seat, which is currently held by Republican Dan Foreman. Gayler, who previously served as a U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer, said he is running because he is dissatisfied with the "antics of state legislators, mismanagement of finances and state agency budgets, and disregard for citizens." He described himself as a moderate Democrat and said his priorities include increasing public school funding, supporting small businesses and agriculture, and protecting Idaho's rural heritage and freedoms.

Why it matters

This race for the Idaho State Senate District 6 seat is an important one, as it could shift the balance of power in the state legislature. Gayler's candidacy as a moderate Democrat presents a challenge to the Republican incumbent, and his focus on issues like education funding and support for small businesses and agriculture could resonate with voters in the district.

The details

Gayler said he will run in the May 19, 2026, primary election. He previously served for many years as a U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer for the District of Idaho, covering Benewah, Latah, Nez Perce, Clearwater, Lewis and Idaho counties. Gayler described himself as a moderate Democrat and said his campaign will focus on transparency and accessibility.

  • Gayler announced his candidacy on February 17, 2026.
  • The primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026.

The players

Richard Gayler

A Democrat who is running for the Idaho State Senate District 6 seat. He previously served as a U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer for the District of Idaho.

Dan Foreman

The current Republican incumbent for the Idaho State Senate District 6 seat.

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What they’re saying

“This role has given me a unique window into the lives of our neighbors — their struggles, hopes, and dreams. I've seen firsthand the challenges families face with employment, education, transportation, and access to mental health and substance abuse services. These are not just issues on paper; they are the realities that shape our daily lives.”

— Richard Gayler, Candidate for Idaho State Senate District 6 (dailyfly.com)

“The time is now to change the course of our political representatives. The time is now to rebalance the legislative power in the state legislature and elsewhere to bring common-sense legislation that helps Idahoans and not special interest groups, the wealthy and self-motivated legislators. I'm here to fight for right and not the wrongs.”

— Richard Gayler, Candidate for Idaho State Senate District 6 (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

Gayler is hosting a public campaign kickoff event on February 26, 2026 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hunga Dunga Brewing in Moscow.

The takeaway

Gayler's candidacy as a moderate Democrat presents a challenge to the Republican incumbent in this key Idaho State Senate race. His focus on issues like education funding, support for small businesses and agriculture, and protecting rural freedoms could resonate with voters in the district and potentially shift the balance of power in the state legislature.