Seven seats are open in Idaho’s state legislative elections this year, meaning no incumbents filed. That is the second-fewest open seats since 2010 and means newcomers could represent as little as 7% of the legislature next year. The average number of open seats each cycle from 2010 to 2024 was 18.
Forty-two incumbents face primary contests in Idaho’s state legislative elections this year, above the average of 34 since 2010.
All 42 contested incumbents are Republicans. Republicans have a 29-6 majority in the state senate and a 61-9 majority in the state house. Idaho has had a Republican trifecta since 1995.
Idaho has 51 contested state legislative primaries this year, down from 56 in 2024. That matches the average number of 51 contested primaries in Idaho each cycle from 2010 to 2024.
Five of this year’s primaries are for Democrats, up 25% from four last cycle, and 46 are for Republicans, down 12% from 52 last cycle.
In total, 250 major party candidates filed to run—96 Democrats and 154 Republicans. All 70 House seats and all 35 Senate seats are up for election.
Idaho’s state legislative primaries are scheduled for May 19.
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