Republican legislators beat primary challengers
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 13 hours, 29 minutes AGO
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | May 20, 2026 1:06 AM
Incumbent state lawmakers came out on top in both contested Republican primary elections on Tuesday.
Rep. Elaine Price held onto her District 4B seat in the Idaho Legislature, beating challenger Christa Hazel.
Price won 59% of the vote and 4,135 votes overall. She did not return a request for comment on Tuesday.
“Tonight, the voters spoke and I respect the will of the people,” Hazel said. “I remain hopeful that North Idaho can move forward with less division, better rhetoric and a renewed focus on community.”
Rep. Vito Barbieri beat challenger Eric Seeley by a wide margin in the Republican race for the District 3A seat in the Idaho Legislature.
Barbieri received 72% of the vote and 7,175 votes in total. He did not return a request for comment.
“I would like to congratulate my opponent, Vito, and appreciate all the honks and the waves and the support that I’ve seen over many, many weeks of holding signs,” Seeley said Tuesday night.
Hazel
Barbieri
SeeleyARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH
Republican legislators beat primary challengers
Incumbent state lawmakers came out on top in both contested Republican primary elections on Tuesday.
Knapp crushes Kovacs
County incumbents win big in other races
Former chief deputy assessor Allyson Knapp flattened incumbent Kootenai County Assessor Béla Kovacs in Tuesday’s Republican primary election, winning the race with 65% of the vote and 17,451 votes overall.
Election Day is here
Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. New voters can register at the polls; they’ll need a current photo ID and proof of residence.