Jefferson County Primary Ousts Longtime Coroner as Incumbents Hold Most Seats
RIGBY, Idaho — Jefferson County voters reshuffled one long-held county office Tuesday while largely keeping experienced incumbents in place, with the most striking result coming in the coroner’s race, where a nearly 20-year officeholder was turned out by a former fire district chief.
Six Republican primary races were decided in Jefferson County on May 20, setting the stage for the November 3 general election. With no Democratic challengers announced in most contests, several winners are expected to take office in January.
Coroner Race Produces Biggest Upset
The race drawing the most attention was the county coroner contest, where Carl Anderson — a former Central Fire District chief — defeated incumbent LaVar Summers, who had served in the position for close to two decades. Anderson captured 44 percent of the vote, or 2,008 votes. Summers received 31 percent (1,415 votes), and a third candidate, Jim Newton, collected 25 percent (1,124 votes).
Anderson credited Summers for his long tenure. “We definitely have to thank him for all the years of service,” Anderson said. “LaVar is in his early 80s, and we thank him for all he’s done. He’s done a great service to the community.” Anderson pledged that voters “can count on me to do the job and to do it right.”
Commission District 1 Sees Close Five-Way Contest
The open District 1 commission seat — vacated after incumbent Shayne Young chose not to seek re-election — drew five candidates and produced a tight outcome. Brian Farnsworth edged the field with 34 percent (1,610 votes), narrowly ahead of Danny Ferguson at 33 percent (1,559 votes). Art da Rosa finished third with 26 percent (1,233 votes), while Dylan Davis and Joshua Duran each received about 4 percent of the vote.
Farnsworth, who previously held the commission seat from 2013 to 2019, called the night a “nail-biter.” He said his top priority will be responsiveness to constituents. “The only campaign promise I’m going to make is that their voice is going to be heard,” Farnsworth said. “Get a hold of me and let me know what you need, and I’ll go to work for you.”
Incumbent District 2 Commissioner Scott Hancock won re-election more comfortably, taking 46 percent (2,128 votes) against Rebecca Webster’s 30 percent (1,411 votes) and Justin Winger’s 24 percent (1,134 votes). Hancock, who has served Jefferson County residents for 12 years, said he has goals he still wants to accomplish. “There’s some things I’d like to get accomplished, and I appreciate the support of the residents of the county,” he said.
Clerk Seat Opens; Treasurer and Assessor Hold On
The county clerk position opened after 10-year incumbent Colleen Poole stepped down last October. Melanie Smoot won the three-way contest with 51 percent (2,276 votes), outpacing Trapper McCallister at 30 percent (1,331 votes) and Cora Baker at 18 percent (814 votes). Smoot said she is “grateful for the trust the voters of the county have given me” and pledged to deliver “integrity and transparency” to the clerk’s office.
Jefferson County Treasurer Kristine Lund, who has held that position since 2011, turned back challenger Paul Blakely with 76 percent of the vote (3,541 votes). A fifth term secured, Lund said she intends to “continue to do the right thing for the right reasons” and serve all property owners in the county.
County Assessor Jessica Roach, in office since 2019, also advanced, defeating Lacey Smuin with 71 percent (3,254 votes). Roach expressed relief at the outcome and said her office will “continue to do our job to the best of our ability, abiding by state statute.”
What Comes Next
All primary winners will appear on the Jefferson County ballot in the November 3 general election. Barring the emergence of Democratic or independent challengers, several of Tuesday’s victors are on track to be seated in January 2027. For broader context on Idaho election integrity measures and statewide primary results, visit Idaho News.