By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief
“The people of Idaho have spoken. They saw through the smokescreen of deception and barrage of out-of-state funded ads that sought to rewrite our laws and reshape our values. Idaho is and will always be a state that values life and protects the unborn.” - Stop Prop 1 communications director Mary Strow
A “Stop Prop 1” sign leans up against the wall during an election night watch party on Nov. 3, 2026, held at the Boise Centre in Downtown Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)
ELECTION 2026
Idaho voters reject abortion rights initiative Prop 1
By Laura Guido
Idahoans United for Women and Families, the group formed to author and support the initiative, conceded that Proposition 1 did not pass in a press release sent just after 12:20 a.m.
“This is a tremendous, frankly gutting, loss, especially for the women, families, and physicians of Idaho,” Melanie Folwell, executive director of Idahoans United for Women and Families, said in a press release. “We will see more doctors leave the state as a result of this election. And, most urgently, women will continue to suffer needlessly under one of the most cruel abortion bans in the nation.”
U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, delivers remarks during the Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Idaho’s commissioning ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, on April 25, 2026. (Photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Darren M. Moore/U.S. Navy)
ELECTION 2026
Idaho Republican US Sen. Jim Risch retains seat against independent challenger Todd Achilles
By Laura Guido
Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Risch won reelection on Tuesday, along with incumbent Republican U.S. Congressmen Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little speaks to supporters at a Republican election night watch party at the Boise Centre in Downtown Boise on Nov. 3, 2026. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)
ELECTION 2026
Idaho Gov. Brad Little re-elected, state GOP incumbents sweep general election races
By Clark Corbin
Idaho Republican Gov. Brad Little was reelected in Tuesday’s general election and will serve a third term as the Gem State’s governor. All other GOP candidates for statewide office were also reelected.
People register to vote in the South Hills Middle School gymnasium on Election Day in Twin Falls, Idaho, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. (Photo by Andrew Eakin for the Capital Sun)
ELECTION 2026
Idaho amendment giving state Legislature sole power to regulate drugs fails
By Clark Corbin
House Joint Resolution 4, or HJR4, would have made it so that only the Idaho Legislature has the authority to legalize any drug or psychoactive substance – including medical or recreational marijuana.
Passing HJR 4 would have removed the authority for Idahoans to run a ballot initiative to legalize medical or recreational drugs.
MORE IDAHO NEWS FROM US
MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US
Democrats score control of US Senate in stunning midterm victory | Ashley Murray and Shauneen Miranda
Democrats win sizable US House majority amid sweep of close races | Jennifer Shutt and Ariana Figueroa
ICYMI
Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting
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