Idaho Gov. Brad Little won the Republican primary election Tuesday, defeating seven challengers and advancing to the November general election.
According to unofficial election night results from the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office, Little received about 65% of the Republican primary vote statewide. Businessman and Old State Saloon owner Mark Fitzpatrick finished second with about 21%.
Other Republican candidates included Ron James, Sean Calvert Crystal, Daniel Fowler, Ethan Giles, Lisa Marie and Justin Plante.
Following his victory, Little released a statement thanking Idaho voters for their support.
“Teresa and I are deeply humbled and grateful for the confidence Idahoans have once again placed in us to continue serving the greatest state in the greatest nation,” Little said.
Little highlighted what he described as Idaho’s conservative leadership during his administration.
“Over the past eight years, Idaho has stood strong by defending our freedoms, backing law enforcement, lowering taxes, cutting red tape, and protecting the conservative values that make our state stand out,” Little said.
He also pledged continued investment in Idaho’s economy, infrastructure, education and public safety as the state continues to grow.
“Idaho will continue leading by example and standing proudly for faith, family, freedom, and the American Dream,” Little said. “Teresa and I are incredibly thankful for the support of Idahoans across our state.”
Little, a Republican from Emmett, was first elected governor in 2018 after serving as Idaho’s lieutenant governor. Tuesday’s victory positions him to seek a third term in office during the November general election.
Primary elections for governor were also held Tuesday by Idaho’s Democratic and Libertarian parties.
In the Democratic gubernatorial primary, Terri Pickens won with 61.42% of the vote. Jill C. Kirkham finished second with 16.96%, followed by Maxine Durand with 14.53% and Chanelle Torrez with 7.09%.
In the Libertarian gubernatorial primary, Paul Sand defeated Melissa-Sue Robinson by a margin of 57.05% to 42.95%.
Idaho voters also selected nominees for the state’s U.S. Senate race.
Republican incumbent Sen. Jim Risch won his party’s nomination with 67.26% of the vote. Josh Roy finished second with 14.3%, followed closely by Joe Evans with 14.06%. Denny LaVe received 4.39%.
In the Democratic Senate primary, David Roth won with 61.86% of the vote. Brad Moore received 31.14%, while Nickolas 007 Bonds finished with 7.01%.
Matt Loesby ran unopposed in the Libertarian primary for U.S. Senate.
In Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District, Republican incumbent Mike Simpson secured renomination with 63.31% of the vote. Brian Keene finished second with 20.93%, while Perry Shumway received 15.77%.
Democratic voters in the 2nd District selected Ellie Gilbreath as their nominee for Congress. Gilbreath defeated Julie Wiley with 72.48% of the vote to Wiley’s 27.52%.
Will Johanson ran unopposed in the Libertarian primary for Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District.
In Idaho’s 1st Congressional District, Republican incumbent Russ Fulcher also secured renomination Tuesday night, defeating challenger Mike TerMaat in the GOP primary.