ELECTION 2026 Coverage: Local News 8 is highlighting some of the most competitive, talked-about Legislative races in the region during the final run-up to the May 19 primary election.
BLACKFOOT AND SHELLEY, Idaho (KIFI) – Incumbent Ben Fuhriman is facing a challenge by former three-term legislator Julianne Young in a battle for District 30 Seat B with razor-thin margins.
The contest between the two candidates in 2024 required a recount and ultimately came down to four votes.
This year, the politicians are giving voters in Bingham and Butte counties another opportunity to choose between their differing styles and priorities.
When asked how they differ from one another, the two did not mince words.
Young said national groups rank her the most conservative candidate in this race.
“Look at national scorecards from groups whose expertise is to evaluate the conservative nature of a person’s record. I have a very strong conservative record with those scorecards, and my opponent has had to try to explain away those scorecards and discredit them,” said Young, candidate for Legislative District 30 Seat B.
Fuhriman said he is a defender of public education.
“95 percent of our students go to public schools. 95 percent of our kids need a good education in public schools because that’s where they go. My opponent consistently voted against funding for public education. I don’t know why,” said Fuhriman, candidate for Legislative District 30 Seat B.
For their take on the issues – including Medicaid expansion, water scarcity, budgets, illegal immigration and more – watch our full interviews with both candidates below.
Ben Fuhriman election interview.
Julianne Young election interview.
