Who Is Running for Governor of Idaho in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Brad Little
(Incumbent)Economy
HighGovernor Brad Little supports policies aimed at strengthening Idaho's economy and fostering job growth, citing the state's low unemployment and leading personal income growth. His "ENDURING IDAHO" plan focuses on maintaining the Idaho LAUNCH program to support the working class and has involved responsible use of federal funds for critical infrastructure like roads, water, and broadband. These efforts also include paying down debt, strengthening state reserves to record levels, and securing a AAA credit rating.
Immigration
LowResearch pending more substantial sources.
Healthcare
HighBrad Little's "Enduring Idaho" plan prioritizes safeguarding healthcare access, particularly in rural communities. Idaho will invest nearly $1 billion in federal funds over five years to enhance rural healthcare affordability and accessibility, allocating $150 million to the workforce and $1 million to medical education. He also supports making Medicaid cuts to balance the state budget, but his plan does not propose repealing the voter-approved Medicaid expansion.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Brad Little |
|---|---|
| Economy | Governor Brad Little supports policies aimed at strengthening Idaho's economy and fostering job growth, citing the state's low unemployment and leading personal income growth. His "ENDURING IDAHO" plan focuses on maintaining the Idaho LAUNCH program to support the working class and has involved responsible use of federal funds for critical infrastructure like roads, water, and broadband. These efforts also include paying down debt, strengthening state reserves to record levels, and securing a AAA credit rating. High |
| Immigration | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Healthcare | Brad Little's "Enduring Idaho" plan prioritizes safeguarding healthcare access, particularly in rural communities. Idaho will invest nearly $1 billion in federal funds over five years to enhance rural healthcare affordability and accessibility, allocating $150 million to the workforce and $1 million to medical education. He also supports making Medicaid cuts to balance the state budget, but his plan does not propose repealing the voter-approved Medicaid expansion. High |
| Climate & Energy | Governor Brad Little supports initiatives such as Shared Stewardship and Good Neighbor Authority, aiming to protect communities from wildfire and improve forest health through increased logging and active management. He also advocates for expanding access to outdoor recreation, emphasizing the protection of public lands. Additionally, Little supports faster and more efficient permitting processes for various projects, including mining and energy production. Low |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Governor Brad Little signed a bill in March 2022 that bans abortions after approximately six weeks, allowing family members to sue medical providers. While he supported the "pro-life policy," he voiced concerns that the civil enforcement mechanism might be unconstitutional. He also signed a 2020 "pro-life bill" that activated upon the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Little joined an amicus brief in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, arguing the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion, supporting state sovereignty and "preborn lives." High |
| Foreign Policy | Brad Little supports President Trump's "pro-America agenda," which he states includes a secure border. He aligns Idaho's workforce training programs, such as Idaho LAUNCH, with President Trump's Talent Strategy for America, aiming to reinforce America's competitive dominance over China. Little emphasizes putting the American worker first as a means to power a modern economy. High |
| Education | Brad Little prioritizes education, stating it will always be his top focus. His "ENDURING IDAHO" plan aims to keep public schools funded, preserve Idaho LAUNCH for workforce development, and ensure classroom funding is protected. Since taking office, state support for public schools has increased by 70%, teacher pay has been raised, and literacy programs have seen seven-fold investment. He also supports education freedom and protecting women's sports, and exempted K-12 education from state budget cuts. High |
| Gun Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
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