WALLACE — Voters made their voices heard during Tuesday’s Primary Election in Shoshone County. 

A combined 52% of registered voters turned out, marking one of the largest primary turnouts in recent history. Several high-profile races and ballot measures likely drove the turnout, including the Republican contests for sheriff and District 1 commissioner, the Kellogg School District levy, and the 1st Judicial District race. 

Perhaps the biggest winners of the night were supporters of Kellogg School District’s two-year, $7 million replacement supplemental levy, which passed after receiving 1,411 votes, or 66.53%, in favor and 710 votes, or 33.47%, against. 

The measure comes six months after a similar levy failed in November’s general election, prompting district officials to consider significant cuts to staff and programs. 

KSD Board Chairperson Alexa Griffin, who worked with a group of volunteers to educate voters on the levy, said the result was deeply meaningful. 

“The relief, joy, and appreciation felt by me and probably many in the district is not dramatic or exaggerated,” Griffin said. “The employees, students, and supporters know how much this levy means to our district. We can now plan our next school year with confidence and know we are doing everything in our power to give the kids the best experience and education we can. Many people put in hard work to advocate and educate for the levy, and no amount of gratitude will ever be enough.” 

The levy will fund student opportunities ($694,640), educational programs including teachers and instructional support ($1,136,021), and safe and operational schools, including transportation and staffing ($1,693,689). The levy takes effect in July and will cover the next two school years. 

In the closely watched judicial race, Benjamin Allen won the contest for 1st Judicial District judge, Seat Shoshone A, in Shoshone County with 2,134 votes, or 68.22%, compared with Lisa Chesebro’s 994 votes, or 31.78%. Across the five-county district, Allen led Chesebro with 23,527 votes (63.54%) to 13,499 votes (36.46%). With only Benewah County, which has 6,769 registered voters, left unreported as of publication, the margin appears too large for Chesebro to overcome. 

Shoshone County’s recently appointed incumbent Sheriff Shawn Wehr led the Republican primary with 1,466 votes, or 57.88%, followed by John Richter with 635 votes (25.07%) and Chris Rice with 432 votes (17.05%). Wehr faces no opposition in the general election. 

In the Republican primary for Shoshone County commissioner in District 1, Dameon Groves received 1,044 votes, or 44.73%, followed by Ryan Frick with 910 votes (38.99%) and David Norman Hildebrand with 380 votes (16.28%). 

In contested precinct committeeman races, candidates backed by the Shoshone County Republican Central Committee lost all but one race. 

Phil Hart led the Republican primary in Kellogg with 187 votes, or 44.21%, ahead of Bryan Cheney, who received 146 votes (34.52%), and Darius Dustin with 90 votes (21.28%). 

In Kingston, John Richter topped the Republican primary with 253 votes, or 62.78%, followed by Melanie Carter with 114 votes (28.29%) and Forrest Mize with 36 votes (8.93%). 

Scott Stovern prevailed in the Republican primary in Pinehurst with 308 votes, or 61.11%, defeating Linda Vergler, who received 196 votes (38.89%). 

In Wallace, Mike Dexter secured the Republican primary with 152 votes, or 71.03%, compared with Matt Beehner’s 62 votes (28.97%). 

Heather Garitone emerged as the winner of the Republican primary in Mullan with 82 votes, or 73.21%, ahead of Jerry Moody, who received 30 votes (26.79%). 

Isaac McGillivray claimed the Republican primary in Osburn with 219 votes, or 66.57%, defeating Margie Dorchuck, who received 110 votes (33.43%). 

On the Democratic side in Mullan, Daniel White led the primary with 39 votes, or 79.59%, defeating Julian Fountain Wheeler, who received 10 votes (20.41%). 

Three county races will advance to November following uncontested primaries. Richard “Rick” Smith (D) and Julie Hernandez (R) will face off for coroner after receiving 587 and 1,867 votes, respectively; Jay Huber (D) and Tami Atkins (R) will compete for the District 2 commissioner seat after receiving 578 and 1,970 votes; and Katie Murray (D) and Robert Savage (R) will face off for assessor after receiving 593 and 1,834 votes. 

In federal races, Kaylee Peterson led the Democratic primary for U.S. House District 1 in Shoshone County with 442 votes, or 80.80%, defeating Kenneth Brungardt, who received 105 votes (19.20%). 

On the Republican side, Russ Fulcher led with 1,572 votes, or 71.23%, followed by Joseph Morrison with 362 votes (16.40%) and Andy Briner with 273 votes (12.37%). 

In the U.S. Senate race, David Roth won the Democratic primary with 288 votes, or 54.24%, followed by Brad Moore with 206 votes (38.79%) and Nickolas Bonds with 37 votes (6.97%). Matt Loesby won the Libertarian primary with 22 votes, running unopposed. 

Jim Risch led the Republican primary with 1,602 votes, or 70.26%, followed by Joe Evans with 307 votes (13.46%), Josh Roy with 244 votes (10.70%), and Denny LaVe with 127 votes (5.57%). 

In the governor’s race, Terri Pickens led the Democratic primary in Shoshone County with 260 votes, or 47.88%, followed by Jill Kirkham with 149 votes (27.44%) and Maxine Durand with 88 votes (16.21%), with several other candidates also receiving votes. 

Paul Sand and Melissa-Sue Robinson tied in the Libertarian primary, each receiving 17 votes, or 50%. According to Idaho Code, if a Primary Election race results in a tie, following the official canvass, the tie is broken via coin flip. 

Brad Little won the Republican primary with 1,478 votes, or 61.02%, followed by Mark Fitzpatrick with 667 votes (27.54%) and Lisa Marie with 104 votes (4.29%), with several other candidates also receiving votes. 

In a state legislative race, Dale Hawkins won the Republican primary for Idaho House District 2, Seat B, in Shoshone County with 1,464 votes, or 69.48%, defeating Todd Perry, who received 643 votes (30.52%). 

Results remain unofficial until they are canvassed and approved. 

For full election results, visit results.voteidaho.gov.