Senate candidates debate — without Risch + Vance says Dems are ready to 'pour millions' into Idaho + Boise Dem outraises all other legislative candidates

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

From left, League of Women Voters of Idaho President Jean Henscheid, independent U.S. Senate candidate Todd Achilles, College of Idaho moderatorsLatonia Haney Keith and McKay Cunningham, Libertarian Matt Loesby, center, independent Natalie Fleming, and Caldwell Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Travis Palmer. The League of Women Voters and Caldwell chamber hosted a U.S. Senate candidate forum Sept. 30 at Caldwell City Hall. (Photo by Laura Guido/Idaho Capital Sun)

ELECTION 2026

Idaho US Senate candidates weigh in on tariffs, Iran War, federal spending and more

By Laura Guido

Three out of four candidates running to represent Idaho in the U.S. Senate discussed their differing approaches on tariffs, military actions, immigration, and more Wednesday night in Caldwell. The race’s incumbent, Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, declined to participate.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks about the Trump administration’s crackdown on fraud during a Sept. 14, 2026, news conference at the FBI field office in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

ELECTION 2026

In warning letter, VP Vance says Dems are ‘prepared to pour millions’ into Idaho to flip Risch seat

By Laura Guido

Many Idaho residents recently received a fundraising appeal in the mail from U.S. Vice President JD Vance to support Idaho’s longtime Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Risch in his campaign for reelection, claiming Democrats were “prepared to pour millions of dollars into Idaho” to defeat the incumbent in what Vance said is an “urgent national race.”

State Rep. Steve Berch, D-Boise, asks a question during the March 16, 2026, Idaho House Local Government Committee meeting at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

ELECTION 2026

Boise Democrat tops list of Idaho legislative candidates who have raised the most for 2026 campaign

By Clark Corbin

An incumbent Boise state representative who lives in a competitive legislative district has raised the most money of any candidate for the Idaho Legislature in 2026, online state campaign finance records show.

MORE IDAHO NEWS FROM US

2026 general election voter guide: The candidates, the ballot measures, and the tools you need to cast your vote. | Idaho Capital Sun staff

MORE REGIONAL AND NATIONAL NEWS FROM US

Republican AGs sue abortion ‘shield law’ states in US Supreme Court | Kelcie Moesley-Morris
US Senate Dems block bill curbing congressional stock trading, calling it too weak | Ashley Murray
Schumer: Democratic US Senate may block Trump nominees for Supreme Court, lower courts | Jennifer Shutt

ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

Note: Some links may lead to stories behind a news organization's paywall

Coeur d’Alene Press: New master’s program tackles nurse shortage
East Idaho News: After 145 years, longtime Challis newspaper is closing its doors
Idaho State Journal: Pocatello, Chubbuck set to formalize 'Bengal Community Partnership' agreements with ISU
KMVT: Rock Creek Fire District levy renewal on November ballot
Valley Lookout: ‘This is what people would want’: City, ITD eye sidewalks through McCall

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