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Beyond the Books: Upcoming Elections">Beyond the Books: Upcoming Elections

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — It’s filing week, and the 2026 races are officially underway. With the primary election approaching fast, 105 legislatives seats, seven statewide offices, and the gubernatorial seat are up for grabs. Governor Brad Little filed to run for reelection Tuesday, and will appear May 19th on the Republican Primary ballot.

There are several high-stakes races in Eastern Idaho, among those are the following:

District 32 (Idaho Falls and Ammon) – Republican Representative Stephanie Mickelson already has a primary challenger, Kelly Golden
District 35 (Bonneville and Caribou Counties) – Former Republican Representative Chad Christensen is back, challenging representative Michael Veile
District 30 (Bingham and Butte Counties) – Another former Republican State Representative, Julianne Young, has filed to run against Representative Ben Fuhriman – Fuhriman defeated Young in 2024, winning by only 4 votes
In the State Superintendents race, no challengers have emerged as of yet

Idaho Districts lean heavily Republican, so in some races a win in the May Primary could send the victor straight to the statehouse. Cuts that could go into effect after this session would largely impact higher education, but this election year’s changeups will have an impact on future budget decisions.

The deadline to file is Friday at 5 P.M., and any entries made before then have the potential to shake things up.

For information on the contested primaries, open seats, and who’s drawing money and endorsements early, visit idahoednews.org.

US childhood literacy rates are lagging. Pediatricians could be part of the solution">US childhood literacy rates are lagging. Pediatricians could be part of the solution

Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, has started checking literacy skills during pediatric visits for kids as young as 3

States sue Trump administration over changes to childhood vaccine recommendations">States sue Trump administration over changes to childhood vaccine recommendations

More than a dozen states are suing the Trump administration over its changes to vaccine recommendations for children

INTERVIEW: Sen. Julie Van Orden – Budget, Medical Education, Rat Abatement">INTERVIEW: Sen. Julie Van Orden – Budget, Medical Education, Rat Abatement

INTERVIEW: Sen. Julie Van Orden – Budget, Medical Education, Rat Abatement">

State Senator Julie VanOrden (R-Pingree) recently shared insights into a high-pressure legislative session in Boise, highlighting massive rural health investments and looming budget conflicts. In a comprehensive interview, VanOrden noted that the current session has felt uniquely tense from its first week, with major fiscal decisions still pending as lawmakers enter the final stretch of their work.

A central focus of the Senator’s agenda is the Idaho Rural Health Transformation Program. This initiative involves a substantial federal investment of $187 million annually over the next five years to stabilize medical services in underserved areas. VanOrden emphasized that the timeline to secure these funds is exceptionally tight, with an initial deadline in October to identify specific community needs. She clarified that these funds are earmarked for rural infrastructure, such as EMS services and medical provider recruitment, rather than general operating costs. Senator Kevin Cook is currently sponsoring legislation to create an oversight committee for the disbursement of these funds.

As a representative of a heavily agricultural district and an operator herself, VanOrden also addressed immigration enforcement. She expressed support for a bill focusing on E-Verify requirements for large employers but noted that her own operations rely on federal H2A programs. VanOrden signaled a willingness to adapt to new immigration mandates if they ensure a stable path for legal labor in the agricultural sector, though she admitted she is still reviewing specific proposals moving through the Statehouse.

The legislative landscape remains fraught with debate over Medicaid and public health budgets. VanOrden, who chairs the Health and Welfare Committee, discussed recent cuts to programs like “Healthy Connections” and the ACT program for children. While she remains cautious about restoring funding without a identified revenue source, she suggested that opioid settlement funds might provide a potential path forward for the ACT program.

Looking ahead, VanOrden warned that the most contentious period of the session is just beginning. With critical budget votes on the horizon, she anticipated significant friction between lawmakers with differing views on state spending levels. “I’m anticipating that there will be some interesting movements on the budgets that come forward,” she remarked.