This year has become one of the most expensive elections for a seat in the Idaho Legislature, from a bitter primary race between Republicans in North Idaho to a swing district in West Boise. In the latter, incumbent Sen. Rick Just has received more contributions this year than any other Boise legislative candidate.
He’s hedging that money against Republican Codi Galloway, whom he unseated two years ago by just a few hundred votes. On the podcast, Idaho Press statehouse reporter Laura Guido explains why this race has gotten so expensive.
State Senate District 15
- Incumbent Senator Rick Just (Democrat) has received over $138,000 in contributions. Over $15,000 has been from industry PACs.
- Codi Galloway (Republican) has received about $86,000 in contributions, $14,000 from industry PACs.
So why has this year’s race to the polls become so costly? Guido says it’s likely that Democrats and Republicans see that so much is at stake.
“I think both sides see it as something they can either pick up, or the Democrats see it as a seat that they can hold when they don't have very many in Idaho,” Guido said.
Republicans may have a pretty clear majority, but Guido says we’ve seen instances where Democrats can stop things from moving forward.
What issue may sway the votes in this election? Guido has her eye on education.
“There’s a lot of differences in how people think we should do it,” Guido says. “It’s definitely something to keep an eye on, especially because there has been so much money put into it.”
