Republican candidates maintain significant financial advantages over their Democratic opponents across Idaho’s statewide general election races, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State.
Why It Matters
Campaign fundraising totals often serve as an early indicator of electoral viability and resource allocation in competitive state races. The disparity in funds raised between major party candidates suggests a distinct imbalance in financial capacity heading into the November 3 general election.
What Happened
Online records from Idaho Sunshine, the state’s official campaign finance database, show that incumbent Republican Governor Brad Little has raised substantially more money than any other statewide candidate in 2026. As of Wednesday afternoon, Little’s campaign reported collecting just over $2.3 million.
No other candidate on the ballot came close to raising $1 million. The data reflects contributions received through September 30, 2026.
By The Numbers
- Governor Brad Little raised approximately $1.7 million from Idaho residents and about $590,819 from out-of-state donors.
- Little’s contributions came from individuals ($1.2 million), companies ($1.1 million), and political action committees ($45,500).
- Independent gubernatorial candidate John Stegner raised $516,520 total, with $353,765 coming from Idaho and $161,070 from outside the state.
- Democratic gubernatorial nominee Terri Pickens reported accepting $217,520, including $208,828 from Idaho donors and $8,692 from out of state.
- Stegner’s funds were primarily individual contributions ($492,941), with only $22,895 from companies. Pickens raised $199,625 from individuals and $12,350 from companies.
Zoom Out
The fundraising gap extends beyond the governor’s race. Republican incumbents hold leads in every statewide contest, including lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, state controller, and superintendent of public instruction.
Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke faces Democrat Eric Myricks. Attorney General Raúl Labrador is running against Lori Hickman. Secretary of State Phil McGrane’s opponent is Shawn Keenan. State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth will compete against Kevin Jones. State Controller Brandon Woolf faces Rakesh Mohan. Superintendent Debbie Critchfield is challenged by Becky Sundin Mitchell and Constitution Party candidate Teresa Roundy.
The gubernatorial field also includes Libertarian Paul Sand, Unaffiliated write-in candidate Jacob Burnett, and Constitution Party candidate Pro-Life (Marvin Richardson). However, none of these candidates reported fundraising totals near the top three contenders.
What’s Next
Voters will cast ballots in the general election on November 3. The campaign finance reports provide a snapshot of donor support as of late September, but final spending and contribution figures will be reported after the election concludes. Idaho Sunshine allows the public to search for detailed breakdowns of candidate expenditures, contributions, and PAC activity throughout the cycle.
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