David Worley, a Pocatello native and Idaho Army National Guard veteran, has launched a campaign for Idaho’s State Senate District 28, challenging long-time incumbent Senator Jim Guthrie. In a recent interview on Newstalk 107.9 with hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason, Worley detailed his motivations for entering the race, citing a perceived gap between the incumbent’s voting record and the conservative values of the district.
Worley, who returned to Idaho in 2020 after a decade in Virginia, expressed concern that Idaho’s political landscape could shift in a similar manner to the East Coast states he left behind. He argued that many Idaho legislators campaign as conservatives but govern differently once they reach Boise. Worley specifically targeted Guthrie’s role as the chairman of the State Affairs Committee, accusing him of using “desk vetoes” to stall legislation on tax cuts, regulatory reforms, and Second Amendment rights.
One of the primary focuses of Worley’s challenge is the issue of illegal immigration. During the interview, Worley criticized Guthrie for opposing measures that would have mandated E-Verify systems and penalized employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers. He characterized the incumbent’s stance as favoring “soft amnesty” and argued that such bills deserve a full hearing and committee vote if they have already passed the House chamber.
The candidate also highlighted recent social legislation as a point of contention. Worley pointed to Guthrie’s votes against a bill intended to keep restrooms and locker rooms restricted by biological sex, as well as legislation requiring parental notification before a teacher can socially transition a student. Worley asserted that these votes do not align with the expectations of the voters in District 28, which covers Power and Franklin counties and portions of Bannock County.
Despite Guthrie’s significant tenure and name recognition, Worley reported high levels of enthusiasm and donor support for his campaign. He also addressed a failed legislative effort in the Idaho House that he claimed was specifically designed to make him ineligible for the race, noting that the measure was ultimately blocked by other conservative representatives. Worley has recently received the endorsement of Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador as he moves forward with town halls and door-knocking efforts across the district.
