With Idaho’s 2026 general election approaching, a candidate survey conducted by CBS2/FOX9 drew responses from just 100 of the 220 candidates contacted — a response rate of roughly 45 percent — offering voters a partial but direct look at where those running for office stand on the issues.

How the Survey Worked

Candidates received a set of questions tailored to the office they are seeking. Each was given one week to reply, with no deadline extensions granted. Those who did not respond in time were excluded from the published results, as were candidates running without opposition. Submitted answers were published as written, without editorial changes.

The survey covered a wide range of races on the November ballot, including the governorship, attorney general, legislative district seats, and Idaho’s full congressional delegation — both U.S. House seats and a U.S. Senate seat held by Sen. Jim Risch.

Governor’s Race

Idaho’s gubernatorial contest features a crowded field. Republican Gov. Brad Little is seeking another term and is among the candidates included. He faces Democrat Terri Pickens, Libertarian Paul Sand, and two independents — Jacob Burnett and John R. Stegner.

U.S. Senate

Sen. Jim Risch, the Republican incumbent, is up for reelection in what will be a closely watched federal contest. His listed challengers include Libertarian Matt Loesby and independents Natalie M. Fleming and Todd Achilles.

Congressional Districts

In Idaho’s First Congressional District, Republican Rep. Russ Fulcher faces a three-way challenge from Democrat Kaylee Peterson, Independent Sarah Zabel, and Constitution Party candidate Brendan J. Gomez. Peterson recently issued a debate challenge to Fulcher and Zabel ahead of an October forum, according to earlier reporting.

The Second Congressional District field includes Republican incumbent Mike Simpson, Democrat Ellie Gilbreath, Independent Emre Houser, and Constitution Party candidate C. Sierra, running under the banner “ID Law – Idaho Lorax.”

What the Numbers Show

The 100-candidate response figure out of 220 contacted underscores a persistent challenge in statewide election outreach — many candidates, particularly in down-ballot or third-party races, do not engage with media surveys even when questions are office-specific and the deadline is clearly stated. The decision to exclude non-responders rather than mark them absent keeps the published results clean but leaves voters without information on nearly half the field.

Survey responses were listed alphabetically by candidates’ first names and reproduced without alteration, giving voters a direct window into how candidates chose to present themselves and their positions.

A Busy Ballot Ahead

Beyond the headline races, Idaho voters this fall will also decide on a range of legislative district contests across the state. Issues ranging from data center policy to natural resource management are expected to factor into voter decisions in several competitive districts.

With the November election drawing closer, the survey offers one of the broader public-facing efforts this cycle to compile candidate positions in one place — even as the majority of contacted candidates declined or missed the opportunity to participate.