Idaho voters decide state and federal races in national wave
Residents in Boise and surrounding areas cast ballots for the governor and U.S. Senate, joining a nationwide Democratic shift in control of Congress.
By Aiko Nakamura ·
Idaho residents in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell concluded their voting on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, as part of the general election. Polls in the state operated from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with some locations opening at 7 a.m. at the discretion of the county clerk. Voters in Ada County and surrounding areas had the opportunity to elect the state governor and a U.S. senator, alongside other state and local offices.
The state's ballot featured a race for the U.S. Senate seat held by incumbent Jim Risch, a Republican. The parties on the ballot for this federal office included the Republican, Independent, and Libertarian parties. This race was part of a nationwide contest where 33 regular Senate seats and two special seats were up for election. Democrats and Republicans each held 18 of the 36 governorships up for election nationally, with Idaho being one of the states where the Republican incumbent, Brad Little, was running for re-election.
In the governor's race, Idaho voters chose from candidates representing the Democratic, Republican, Independent, Libertarian, and Unaffiliated parties. The state also held elections for the State Senate, State House, State Supreme Court, and intermediate appellate courts. Additionally, voters in various counties considered local ballot measures and municipal government positions, reflecting the broad scope of the November 3 election cycle across the Treasure Valley and the rest of the state.
Four statewide ballot measures appeared on Idaho ballots. One measure, HJR 4, addressed the legislative process for legalizing marijuana and other psychoactive substances. Another, HJR 6, proposed adding constitutional language to designate English as the official state language. A third measure, the Official State Gun Question, asked voters to select an official state gun. The fourth measure, Proposition 1, concerned a statutory right to reproductive freedom and privacy.
The results in Idaho were part of a larger national trend where Democrats secured majorities in both chambers of Congress. By 4 p.m. ET on November 6, Democrats had won at least 43 House seats and seven Senate seats, taking control of the U.S. House with a 250-157 majority and the U.S. Senate with a 54-44 majority. This marked a significant shift in power in Washington, as Republicans lost control of the House and the Senate to the Democratic party.
The national election results indicated a wave of Democratic gains that extended to state governments. Democrats won full control of both state legislative chambers and the governor's office in at least six states where they previously shared power with Republicans. These states included Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Wisconsin. In Texas, Democrats won control of the state House and elected Gina Hinojosa as governor, ending a long period of Republican dominance in that state's executive office.
The Associated Press reported that the number of legislative seats and chambers changing parties in this election cycle is likely the highest since 2010. In 2010, Republicans had taken over governments across the country following the Great Recession. This year, Democrats flipped the lower chambers of the legislatures in Maine and North Carolina and both chambers in New Hampshire. The results underscored a widespread voter preference for change, with dissatisfaction over economic conditions and government corruption cited as key drivers.
The election outcomes in Idaho and across the country will shape the legislative agenda for the next two years. The new Democratic majority in Congress will begin its terms on January 3, 2027, bringing increased scrutiny to the administration of President Donald Trump. In Idaho, the elected officials will take office and begin addressing state-specific issues, including those outlined in the ballot measures that were decided by voters on Tuesday.
The voting process in Idaho was conducted without major disputes or disruptions, consistent with the national trend of a smooth election day. The state's election officials tallied the votes, and the results for the governor and U.S. Senate races were part of the broader national tally. The outcome of these races will influence the balance of power in the state government and the federal representation for Idaho in the coming years.
