Idaho Gov. Brad Little re-elected, state GOP incumbents sweep races on Election Day

Idaho Republican Gov. Brad Little was reelected in Tuesday’s general election and will serve a third term as the Gem State’s governor, according to the Associated Press. All other Republican candidates for statewide office were also reelected.

The Associated Press called the race for Little at 10:36 p.m. Tuesday. 

Little addressed his supporters and several Republican officials at a downtown Boise convention hall at about 10:20 p.m. Mountain time Tuesday night, shortly before the race was officially called.

“I’m humbled to have your support, grateful for your confidence, and proud to have the opportunity to continue to serve this great state,” Little told supporters Tuesday night. “Tonight’s decision results send a clear message: Idahoans want to keep moving forward. They believe in the direction the state is headed. They believe in Idaho values, and they rightfully expect us to keep delivering.”

Little, a Republican from Emmett, was projected to beat his two closest challengers, Democrat Terri Pickens and independent John Stegner.

As of 2:06 a.m. Mountain time Wednesday, Little had received 369,360 votes, or 57.3%, while Pickens was in second place with 206,218 votes, or 32%. Stegner was in third place, with 49,279 votes, or 7.6%.

Several other candidates ran for governor as well. 

Libertarian Paul Sand received 10,377 votes, or 1.6%. A Constitution Party candidate who changed his name from Marvin Richardson to Pro-Life received 8,649 votes, or 1.3%. And an independent named Jacob Burnett ran as a write-in candidate and had received 227 votes.  

Little will serve his third, four-year term as Idaho’s governor. He was first elected governor in 2018, having previously served as lieutenant governor and a member of the Idaho Senate.

In addition to Little, each of Idaho’s statewide incumbent Republican officials was also leading their re-election bids Tuesday night, according to partial unofficial election results released Tuesday by the state. 

The Associated Press also called the race for Idaho secretary of state in favor of Republican Secretary of State Phil McGrane at 10:31 p.m. Wednesday.

Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador, Idaho State Controller Brandon Woolf, Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth and Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield won their re-election bids as well. 

Idaho Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke leads Democrat Eric Myricks

Idaho’s lieutenant governor serves as president of the Idaho Senate but only votes in cases of a tie vote. The lieutenant governor also serves as acting governor while the governor is out of the state or unable to perform the duties of office.

Bedke, a Republican from Oakley, held a large lead over Democratic challenger Eric Myricks of Nampa.

As of 2:05 a.m. Wednesday, Bedke has received 403,994 votes, or 63.7%. Myricks had received 229,536 votes, or 36.2%.

Bedke is running for his second four-year term as lieutenant governor. He previously served as the longtime speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives. 

Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane beats Democrat Shawn Keenan

Idaho’s secretary of state is the state’s top elected official in charge of elections and is responsible for overseeing business filings, campaign finance and lobbying.

As of 2:05 a.m. Wednesday, Secretary of State Phil McGrane, a Republican from Ada County, had received 427,988 voters, or 67.6%. Democrat Shawn Keenan had received 204,583 votes, or 32.3%

McGrane will serve his second four-year term as secretary of state.

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador leads Democrat Lori Hickman

The attorney general is the state’s chief legal officer, responsible for representing the state and its agencies in court and enforcing consumer protection laws. 

As of 2:15 a.m. Wednesday, Attorney General Raúl Labrador, a Republican, had received 382,260,891 votes, or 60%. Lori Hickman, a Democrat, had received 253,763 votes, or 39.9%.

Labrador is running for his second four-year term as attorney general. He previously served as a member of Congress, a member of the Idaho Legislature and as an immigration attorney. 

Idaho State Controller Brandon Woolf leads Democrat Rakesh Mohan

The Idaho state controller is the chief fiscal officer for the state and is responsible for paying all of the state’s bills and payroll.

As of 2:15 a.m. Wednesday, Woolf, a Republican, had received 418,084 votes, or 66.4%. Democrat Rakesh Mohan had received 211,285 votes, or 33.6%

Woolf is running for his fourth, four-year term as state controller. Woolf was first appointed Idaho state controller in 2012.

Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth leads Democrat Kevin Jones

The Idaho state treasurer serves as the banker for the state and is responsible for investing idle state funds. 

As of 2:05 a.m. Wednesday, State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth, a Republican, had received 412,701 votes, or 65.7%.

Democratic challenger Kevin Jones had received 215,293votes, or 34.3%.

Ellsworth is running for her third, four-year term as state treasurer. Ellsworth was first elected treasurer in 2018. She previously served as a member of the Idaho Legislature. 

Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield leads Democrat Becky Sundin Mitchell and Constitution Party candidate Teresa Roundy

The Idaho superintendent of public instruction is the state’s top elected education official, oversees Idaho’s K-12 public education and has a seat on the Idaho State Board of Education.

As of 2:20 a.m. Tuesday, Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield, a Republican, had received 389,293 votes, or 61.8%. 

Democrat Becky Sundin Mitchell had received 218,196 votes, or 34.5%.

Independent Teresa Roundy had received 22,226 votes, or 3.5%.

Critchfield is seeking her second, four-year term as superintendent of public instruction. Critchfield previously served as the president of the Idaho State Board of Education. 

State officials continued to count ballots late into the night on Tuesday. 

Idaho’s election results do not become official until after they are certified by the Idaho State Board of Canvassers, which meets Nov. 24.