Idaho Democrats are poised to contest a historic number of races in 2026 following the Friday filing deadline for federal, statewide, and legislative offices. Idaho voters will see Democrats competing up and down the ticket as Republican lawmakers advance sweeping cuts to essential services and refuse to take responsibility for the fallout.

In total, 117 Idaho Democrats are running in the 2026 primary election for federal, statewide, and legislative offices. Democratic candidates are on the ballot for all three federal offices, including both U.S. House seats and Idaho’s U.S. Senate seat. Democrats are also running for all seven statewide elected constitutional offices. In legislative races, 100 Democratic candidates are running, including at least one Democrat in all 35 legislative districts. The Idaho Republican Party filed candidates in only 34 legislative districts.

Several Democratic contests will be decided in competitive primaries this spring, reflecting both the size of the slate and the growing number of Idahoans stepping forward to run.

The 2026 slate reflects continued growth in participation and organizing. In the 2022 primary, 58 Democrats ran. In 2024, that number rose to 89. In 2026, Democrats expanded again, with candidates running for every statewide elected constitutional office, all federal seats on the ballot, and in all 35 legislative districts, bringing more Idaho communities into play.

The candidates running this year include teachers, nurses, firefighters, veterans, farmers, small business owners, and parents. Many are first-time candidates running because they are tired of watching the same politicians manufacture crises and then shift the cost onto working families. Across the ballot, Democratic candidates are focused on strengthening public schools, expanding access to health care, keeping communities safe, and restoring discipline and transparency to the state budget.

Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea said the surge in candidates reflects frustration with prolonged one-party control.

“Idaho has been under one-party control for so long that too many politicians act like they’ll never be held accountable,” said Necochea. “Meanwhile, families are paying more, classrooms are packed, and communities are losing health care, with deadly consequences. And now, after years of revenue cuts that benefit the wealthiest Idahoans, Republican legislators are trying to balance the books by cutting mental health treatment, taking Medicaid away from tens of thousands of Idahoans, shorting firefighting and public safety, and slashing investments that save lives and money in the long term. Idahoans deserve better than that.”

Party leaders said the breadth of the slate also reflects growing grassroots strength in every region of the state. Through its ongoing All In for Idaho effort, the party has worked to recruit candidates, strengthen local organizations, and expand voter outreach in all 44 counties.

“Power in Idaho shouldn’t belong to a handful of politicians and insiders,” said Idaho Democratic Party Executive Director Dakota Sharette. “It should belong to the people who live here. This slate shows that Idahoans are ready to step up and compete everywhere.”

With filing for federal, statewide, and legislative candidates complete, the Idaho Democratic Party will now focus on supporting Democrats as county and local filing periods open, while continuing to support candidates and local teams with training, organizing resources, and voter outreach ahead of the 2026 primary and general election.

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