Gov. Little wins third term

Idaho Republican Gov. Brad Little won his race for reelection to a third term, The Associated Press projected Tuesday night. Little had received 54.6% of the reported vote as of 10:18 p.m. 

Democrat Terri Pickens was second at 34.7%.

“We’re not done yet,” Little said in front of a giant American flag backdrop at his election night party in downtown Boise.

Nearly half of the early return was from Ada County and none was from conservative Canyon County, so Little likely has a large share of votes still to be counted.

Little received 67% of the vote in Kootenai County.

The race wasn’t expected to be competitive. The Cook Political Report rated the Idaho governor’s race as “solid R,” one of just seven such races across the country. Republicans have won every statewide office in Idaho for two decades. 

Little also held a fundraising advantage, with over $1 million in his chest as of Oct. 30.

Little’s victory could be the beginning of another Republican sweep. The party has held every statewide office for 20 years, and its candidates led in every race Tuesday night.

Incumbents swept state offices. Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke, Secretary of State Phil McGrane, State Controller Brandon Woolf, Treasurer Julie Ellsworth and Attorney General Raul Labrador all easily won, as did Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield.

“I want to represent the entire education community,” Critchfield said, in a speech at Little’s election party downtown.