Why It Matters
A national organization backing education choice is pouring money into Idaho legislative primaries, targeting two challengers and supporting incumbents in races that could shape the future of the state’s new school choice tax credit program.
The spending reveals which Idaho races matter most to national education interests as the May 19 primary approaches.
What Happened
The AFC Victory Fund, a super PAC affiliated with the American Federation for Children, filed a report Friday showing $50,000 in broadcast advertising against two Republican primary challengers.
The group spent $27,500 opposing Melissa Durrant, who is challenging Representative Chris Bruce in House District 23 Seat A. Another $22,500 went toward opposing Megan Blanksma, who is running against Senator Christy Zito in Senate District 8.
The broadcast spending follows $45,000 in direct lobbying expenses the parent organization previously reported supporting Bruce and Zito through mailings, social media, and text messages. Bruce received $33,422 in support, while Zito received the remainder.
By the Numbers
$50,000 — Total broadcast advertising expenditures reported Friday
$27,500 — Amount spent opposing Durrant in the House race
83 votes — Margin by which Bruce defeated Durrant in the 2024 primary
$80,655 — What the Idaho Federation for Children PAC spent opposing Durrant in 2024
6,000 families — Applicants for Idaho’s Parental Choice Tax Credit, according to Zito
Zoom Out
The House District 23 contest is a rematch of a 2024 race that saw Bruce, a vocal school choice advocate, narrowly defeat Durrant. The American Federation for Children played a major role in that election through its now-defunct Idaho affiliate.
In April, the national group terminated the Idaho Federation for Children PAC and shifted operations to its AFC Victory Fund super PAC. A spokesman said the change creates a cleaner operation across multiple states where the organization is active.
In the Senate race, Zito told education reporters in March that she favors increasing the $50 million cap on Idaho’s Parental Choice Tax Credit. The program offers $5,000 per student for private school tuition, or $7,500 for students with disabilities.
Blanksma, one of two candidates challenging Zito, said in March that the tax credit primarily benefits Treasure Valley families rather than residents of the rural district Zito represents.
What’s Next
The May 19 Republican primary will determine whether Bruce and Zito advance to the general election or whether their challengers succeed in unseating them.
The American Federation for Children’s national spokesman said the organization remains deeply invested in Idaho after working to establish the state’s school choice program last year.
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