Treasurer candidates have differing investment strategies + School districts will ask voters for more than $307 million in November

By Christina Lords | Editor-in-Chief

Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth, left, and Democratic challenger Kevin Jones. (Photos courtesy of the candidates)

ELECTION 2026

Idaho treasurer candidates have differing state investment mindsets

By Laura Guido

Two candidates will vie for the position to manage Idaho’s cash flow and investments, and they offer differing views on how to do so.

Incumbent Republican Treasurer Julie Ellsworth will face Democratic challenger Kevin Jones in the Nov. 3 general election. Jones, although running as a Democrat, believes the position should be nonpartisan and has announced he will unaffiliate the day after the election.

Voting information sits on display for the primary election on May 21, 2024, at Hawthorne Elementary School in Idaho Falls. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

ELECTION 2026

Idaho school districts will ask voters for more than $307 million in November election

By Emma Epperly

Idaho school districts will ask voters for more than $307 million this November election. But none of that is for bonds.

Still, the requests nearly double the $159 million on the ballot last fall — and the $183 million from May.

That’s due, in part, to consolidated elections dating back to the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions. School districts can now only ask voters for additional funding from property taxes in May and November.

President Donald Trump appears in a taxpayer-funded public service announcement that critics say is indistinguishable from a 2024 campaign ad. (Screenshot from video posted to Truth Social)

ELECTION 2026

Trump TV ads paid for with $20M in Homeland Security funds, Dems find

By Jonathan Shorman

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, slammed the ads as indistinguishable from Trump’s 2024 campaign ads, yet these recent ads are funded by taxpayers.

Some GOP senators have also split with the Trump administration over the ads. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, told reporters that while he liked the ads’ message, tax dollars shouldn’t pay for them. Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana and Sen. John Cornyn of Texas have also pushed back, among others.

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

New federal law puts an end to the hemp industry, Oregon businesses say | Mia Maldonado
News orgs banned from White House accuse Trump of First Amendment violation | Jennifer Shutt
Congressional watchdog says Trump administration can’t defy lawmakers to revoke $810M | Jennifer Shutt
Major bill to set standards for college athletes’ pay passes US Senate | Shauneen Miranda

ICYMI

Shining a light on other Idaho politics reporting

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

Boise State Public Radio: Trump's immigration push has largely spared farms. Idaho dairymen worry it won't last.
Coeur d’Alene Press: Cd'A School Board trustees host levy talk
Idaho News 6: Homedale, Marsing School Districts explore arming trained staff members
Idaho Press: Grizzly bear proposal draws support, concern in Idaho
Valley Lookout: Valley Co. outlines deciding factors for Wilks Brothers’ Red Ridge Village

Thanks for reading The Sunrise. Did you know our weekend digest is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.