Primary Election Set for May 19

Three candidates are competing for the District 2 seat on the Fremont County Commission in the upcoming primary election. Incumbent Mark Chandler faces challenges from Glade Mason and Josh Thomas, with the primary winner advancing to the November 3 general election.

The Candidates

Chandler, a fourth-generation resident of southeastern Idaho, has served on the commission and brings decades of experience operating hydroelectric plants throughout Fremont County. He worked for 29 years managing facilities on major rivers in the area and has been involved with the Henry’s Fork Foundation since 1993. Chandler and his wife of 45 years have two children and eight grandchildren living in the region.

Mason was born in St. Anthony and has lived in Fremont County nearly his entire life. He graduated from South Fremont High School in 1984 and earned an associate degree. Mason has worked for UPS for 25 years, spending the last 12 years as a route delivery driver serving communities in southwestern Fremont County. He and his wife Audra have six children and five grandchildren.

Thomas is a lifelong Fremont County resident who retired as a U.S. Army Sergeant Major a year and a half ago after 25 years of service, primarily with Special Operations Command. He deployed multiple times to Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and other regions, earning the Purple Heart and Bronze Stars. Thomas now serves as a volunteer firefighter and sits on the boards of county Search and Rescue and the Chamber of Commerce.

What’s Next

Voters will select one candidate in the May 19 primary election. The winner will appear on the general election ballot this November.