Five Idaho Constitutional Officers Unite Behind Sen. Jim Guthrie Ahead of May Primary
Why It Matters
With the May 19 primary election less than two weeks away, the race for Idaho Senate District 28 has drawn a striking display of establishment Republican muscle — and a counterpunch from the state’s top law enforcement officer. The outcome could shape the ideological direction of the Idaho Senate for years to come.
What Happened
Five of Idaho’s top constitutional officers formally endorsed incumbent Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon, for re-election on Tuesday, throwing their collective weight behind the 15-year veteran just weeks before voters head to the polls.
Gov. Brad Little, Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke, Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield, Secretary of State Phil McGrane, and Controller Brandon Woolf all signed on to a campaign news release backing Guthrie, citing his record on fiscal responsibility, agriculture, public safety, and rural communities.
Guthrie faces a primary challenge from David Worley, an Idaho National Guard officer who describes Christian morality as the “foundation of Western Civilization” and has positioned himself as a hardline conservative alternative. Worley received an endorsement from Attorney General Raúl Labrador in early April.
The Endorsement Battle
The dueling endorsements have turned a rural Senate primary into a proxy fight between two factions of Idaho’s Republican leadership. Labrador framed his backing of Worley as a rebuke of career politicians, stating in a news release that voters are “tired of politicians who campaign one way at home and govern another when they are in Boise.”
Labrador praised Worley as someone who “will bring integrity, courage, and common sense to the Senate” and will stand firm on border security and government accountability.
The five officers backing Guthrie took a different tone, calling him a practitioner of “conservative, common-sense leadership.” Gov. Little stated the race is “an opportunity to keep strong, dependable leadership in the Idaho Senate.” Superintendent Critchfield added that Guthrie “understands a fundamental truth: public education is the fuel for Idaho’s economy.”
Guthrie responded with measured gratitude, saying he was honored to work alongside these leaders to deliver results for Idahoans, including “lower taxes, less government overreach, stronger support for our law enforcement.” He added that ultimately the race comes down to “the people of District 28.”
By the Numbers
- 5 constitutional officers backing Guthrie
- 1 constitutional officer — Attorney General Labrador — backing challenger Worley
- 2016 — year Guthrie was first elected (he has held the seat since 2010)
- District 28 covers Power County and parts of rural Bannock County
- May 19 — primary election date
Guthrie’s Record and the Conservative Divide
The primary spotlight has also landed on several of Guthrie’s votes that placed him at odds with the majority of his Republican colleagues. He voted against the $50 million Parental Choice Tax Credit and was the only Senate Republican to oppose the transgender bathroom bill during the 2026 session — positions that gave Worley and his backers ammunition to argue the incumbent has drifted from the base.
Those votes are central to Worley’s campaign argument and reflect a broader tension in Idaho Republican politics between the pragmatic wing of the party and a more insurgent conservative movement. A national school choice super PAC has already moved to influence related legislative races in this cycle, signaling that outside money sees Idaho as fertile ground.
Worley also carries legal baggage heading into the final stretch. A federal judge dismissed a religious discrimination lawsuit he filed against Gov. Little and the Idaho National Guard last year, a development that Guthrie’s allies have noted publicly.
What’s Next
Idaho voters will decide the District 28 Senate primary on May 19. Sample ballots are now available at VoteIdaho.gov for voters who want to review their choices ahead of election day. The winner of the Republican primary will be heavily favored in the general election given the district’s conservative makeup.
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