National School Choice Super PAC Targets Two Idaho Legislative Races Ahead of May Primary
BOISE, Idaho — A national school choice super PAC is directing significant spending into two Idaho legislative primary races, backing incumbents who support expanding the state’s Parental Choice Tax Credit program ahead of the May 19 election.
The American Federation for Children’s AFC Victory Fund reported $50,000 in broadcast advertising to oppose challengers in District 23 and District 8 — targeting Melissa Durrant, who is running against Rep. Chris Bruce, R-Kuna, and Megan Blanksma, who is challenging Sen. Christy Zito, R-Mountain Home.
The broadcast ad spending follows a separate $45,000 in lobbying expenses the group’s parent organization reported in support of Bruce and Zito through direct mailings, social media, and text messages. Combined, the American Federation for Children has now committed more than $95,000 in support of the two Idaho incumbents.
Bruce-Durrant Rematch Draws Heaviest Spending
The District 23 House Seat A race is drawing the largest share of the group’s attention. Of the $50,000 in broadcast advertising, $27,500 was directed in opposition to Durrant, while lobbying spending in support of Bruce totaled $33,422 — the highest of the two races.
The May 19 contest is a rematch. Bruce defeated Durrant by just 83 votes in the 2024 Republican primary — a margin thin enough that outside spending may have proved decisive. In that earlier race, the Idaho Federation for Children PAC spent $80,655 in independent expenditures opposing Durrant.
Bruce is described as a strong school choice supporter, a position that has made him a priority for the national organization. Durrant’s renewed challenge and the closeness of their prior contest appear to have prompted the group to commit early and heavily to this cycle.
District 8 Senate Race Also in the Crosshairs
In the District 8 Senate contest, Sen. Zito is facing two challengers, including Blanksma. The AFC Victory Fund’s broadcast advertising includes opposition spending targeting Blanksma as well, though at a lower level than the Durrant race.
Zito has publicly supported expanding the state’s Parental Choice Tax Credit, which currently offers $5,000 per student to help cover non-public school tuition costs, or $7,500 for students with disabilities. In remarks reported by Idaho Education News in March, Zito expressed support for raising the program’s $50 million cap.
“There have been over 6,000 families apply for that tax credit,” Zito said in those March remarks. “And it’s a tax credit, and it’s less than it costs to educate a child in public education.”
Blanksma has taken a different position. In a March interview also reported by Idaho Education News, Blanksma argued the tax credit program primarily benefits families in the Treasure Valley and does not serve the needs of residents across the large, rural district Zito represents.
National Group Restructures Idaho Operations
The spending comes after the American Federation for Children made a notable structural change in early April, terminating the Idaho Federation for Children PAC — its in-state fundraising arm — and consolidating Idaho election activity under its national super PAC, the AFC Victory Fund.
AFC national press secretary Brian Jodice explained the shift to Idaho Education News in early April, saying the consolidation makes for a more streamlined operation. “We’re active in a lot of states across the country,” Jodice said in remarks reported by Idaho Education News. “Obviously, Idaho we’ve cared deeply about over the last few years, specifically, over the last year getting that school choice program stood up.”
The move does not reduce the group’s presence in Idaho elections — if anything, Friday’s independent expenditure report confirms the national organization intends to remain a significant factor in Idaho’s school choice policy battles.
What Comes Next
Both the District 23 and District 8 races will be decided in the May 19 Republican primary. Given the 83-vote margin in the 2024 Bruce-Durrant contest, both races are expected to remain competitive through Election Day. Voters and observers will be watching whether the national spending advantage translates to victory for the incumbents or whether local challengers can overcome the outside money. Additional independent expenditure filings may be reported in the weeks leading up to the primary. For statewide coverage of Idaho’s legislative races and education policy, visit Idaho News and Idaho News Network.