Slate of candidates comes into focus

The slate of candidates in the May 21 legislative races has firmed up after filings closed last Friday, with District 1 seeing 16 candidates campaigning to represent the area covering most of Bonner County and all of Boundary County.

In the Idaho Senate race in District 1, Republicans Jim Woodward and Scott Herndon are facing off for the third time for the right to represent the party in the general election. the pair faced each other in 2018 and 2022. The winner will face Daniel Rose and Steve Johnson, who are running as independents.

In the State Representative 1A race, Democrat Karen Matthee will face the winner of the race between Republicans Mark Sauter, the incumbent; Jane Sauter, and Spencer Hutchings.

The 1B seat for the Idaho House of Representatives is also being highly sought after with Democrats Bob Vickaryous and Kathryn Larson facing off and Republicans Chuck Lowman and Cornel Rasor both seeking the seat. Incumbent Sage Dixon is not seeking reelection. 

Four candidates have filed for the District 1 U.S. Representative race — Brendan Gomez for the Constitutional Party, Kaylee Peterson for the Democratic Party, Matt Loesby for the Libertarian Party and incumbent Russ Fulcher for the Republican Party.

Candidates from any race may withdraw until March 29. Visit voteidaho.gov to see a list of updated candidates, including any withdrawals, or to register to vote. Online voter registration closes 24 days before an election. Interested parties may also register to vote in person at early voting or on Election Day.

The primary election date for each respective party is May 21. The general election will be held Nov. 5.