Two Republican Challengers Will Face Incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson in Idaho’s May 19 Primary

BOISE, Idaho — U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, who has held Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District seat since 1999, will face two Republican primary challengers on May 19: Brian Keene of Twin Falls and Perry Shumway of Rexburg.

Simpson is seeking his 14th two-year term representing the district, which spans eastern Idaho and includes Boise. The three-way race sets up an intraparty contest over immigration, federal spending, public lands, and the role of bipartisan negotiation in Congress.

The Challengers

Keene, 63, is a retired Twin Falls resident whose background includes work as an educator, Navy sailor, and National Guard and Army Reserve member. On his campaign website, he lists government accountability, responsible taxation, and a balanced budget constitutional amendment as his top priorities.

Shumway, 61, is a Rexburg marketing professional and the son of Norman Shumway, a former Republican U.S. House member from California. His campaign centers on using state legislatures to force constitutional amendments — specifically term limits and a balanced budget requirement — bypassing the traditional congressional approval process.

The U.S. Constitution allows amendments through a two-thirds vote of both chambers of Congress, or through a constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures, a method that has never been successfully used. Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District is not the only seat seeing a contested GOP primary this cycle — Rep. Russ Fulcher also faces two Republican opponents on May 19.

Simpson’s Record and Priorities

Simpson served on the Boise City Council starting in 1980, won a state House seat in 1984, and held that post until winning his congressional seat in 1998. He currently chairs the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.

The incumbent lists lowering taxes and reducing regulations as his top priority, highlighting his support for federal legislation that cut taxes on workers’ tips and overtime pay, as well as his backing for eliminating the estate tax. He also cites energy independence and legal immigration reform for agricultural workers as key focuses.

Immigration: Points of Agreement and Difference

All three candidates acknowledge Idaho’s agricultural sector depends heavily on migrant labor, but they differ on how to address the issue. Simpson has co-sponsored the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which would create a legal pathway for some undocumented agricultural workers and expand visa access beyond seasonal roles. The bill has not advanced through both chambers since its introduction in 2019.

Keene supports speeding up legal immigration through biometric tracking and streamlined processing for farm workers, while calling for the immediate deportation of undocumented immigrants who commit crimes.

Shumway said he agrees with President Donald Trump’s approach to border security but opposes mass deportations of agricultural workers. “Deporting them all, sending them back to their countries would devastate our economy,” Shumway said, while also stating he does not support a path to citizenship for those who entered the country unlawfully.

Bipartisanship and the Farm Bill

The candidates diverge sharply on whether compromise with Democrats is appropriate. Keene has proposed requiring bills to carry at least one co-sponsor from each party. Simpson has defended his record of cross-aisle dealmaking, pointing to the lengthy negotiations required in his appropriations subcommittee role.

Shumway has drawn the starkest contrast, saying flatly: “I will not foster so-called bipartisan agreements.” He also opposes the farm bill entirely, arguing the federal government lacks a constitutional basis for involvement in agriculture or social welfare programs.

Simpson has defended his farm bill support, saying the legislation provides stability for Idaho’s farming and ranching communities.

Public Lands

All three candidates say Idaho’s public lands should remain publicly accessible. Simpson has co-sponsored legislation to prevent large-scale federal land sales or transfers. Keene and Shumway both said they could support shifting some decision-making authority to the state, but only with binding guarantees that the land would not be sold and public access would not be restricted.

Voter ID Legislation

Simpson voted with House Republicans in favor of the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo identification at polls. The bill remains under Senate consideration. Shumway supports the measure but called it a lower priority. Keene called it “grandstanding and unnecessary noise,” arguing Idaho already has sufficient voter ID requirements and that the legislation created needless conflict.

What’s Next

Idaho’s primary election is scheduled for May 19. Unaffiliated voters in Idaho may choose which party’s primary ballot they wish to participate in on that date. The winner of the Republican primary in the 2nd Congressional District will be heavily favored in the general election in this reliably Republican-leaning seat.