GOP Wins Legislative Races and Some Local Measures in SE Idaho

Republican incumbents won every contested legislative seat in Southeast Idaho during the November 3 election, according to reports from hjnews.com.

The results across Legislative Districts 35 and 28 saw a sweep for the GOP, though some local races provided much tighter competition than the final margins suggested. While state-level leadership remained largely unchanged, voters decided on local school funding and water infrastructure.

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Legislative races show Republican dominance

In Legislative District 35, which spans Bear Lake and Caribou counties along with parts of Bonneville, Bannock, and Teton counties, Sen. Mark Harris, R-Soda Springs, secured re-election with 15,042 votes, or 70 percent. His opponent, Democrat Marty Rotz Kilhefner, received 6,447 votes.

The House seats in the same district followed a similar pattern. Rep. Mike Veile, R-Soda Springs, earned 14,838 votes, or 69.37 percent, against Democrat Walter Boyd, who received 30.63 percent. In House Seat B, Rep. Josh Wheeler, R-Ammon, took 69.64 percent of the vote, defeating Democrat Mary Kaufman.

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Legislative District 28 also saw a complete Republican sweep. Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon, won with 68.34 percent of the vote. In House Seat A, Rep. Rick Cheatum, R-Pocatello, faced a much closer contest than the final tally indicated. Early returns showed Democrat Kim Jackman leading Cheatum by just four votes, but the momentum shifted as results from Power and Franklin counties arrived.

“The margins by the time I went to bed were large enough that it relieved my concern about not being elected,” Cheatum said.

Cheatum expressed a desire to address fiscal issues resulting from previous budget decisions. He said he hopes to restore funding for mental health, education, water, and transportation programs that were cut last year.

For Sen. Jim Guthrie, the upcoming legislative session will likely focus on resource management.

“As we grow more and more, it puts more and more pressure on that resource,” Guthrie said, referring to water.

School levies and water infrastructure pass

Local voters approved two supplemental school levies to maintain essential services. The Grace School District 148 levy, totaling $450,000 annually over two years, passed with 70.68 percent support. These funds are earmarked for staff salaries, benefits, curriculum, technology, and transportation. Similarly, the Soda Springs School District 150 approved a one-year, $993,000 levy, primarily to fund staff pay and a school resource officer.

Infrastructure improvements for water systems also received the green light in Grace and Preston. These revenue bonds are designed to be repaid through water system revenues rather than property taxes.

Location Bond Amount Primary Purpose Repayment Term

Grace Up to $6 million Repairing failing collection lines Up to 40 years

Preston Up to $2.5 million Water storage tank and disinfection Up to 10 years

Bear Lake Fire District levy fails

In a notable departure from the approval of other local measures, Bear Lake County voters rejected a permanent override levy for the Bear Lake Fire District. The measure failed to reach the required two-thirds majority, receiving only 34.43 percent in favor.

If passed, the levy would have generated up to $800,000 annually starting in 2027. The funds were intended to staff and maintain emergency services at an estimated cost of $39 per $100,000 of taxable property value.

Incumbents win state and federal races as voters reject initiatives

Proposition 1: Rejected. This citizen initiative would have legalized abortion up to fetal viability and in medical emergencies.

House Joint Resolution 4: Rejected. This constitutional amendment would have restricted the power to legalize drugs exclusively to the Legislature.

House Joint Resolution 6: Passed. This amendment established English as the official language within the state Constitution.