Bannock County Commission Chairman Wins Re-Election; Newcomer Takes Open Seat
POCATELLO — Bannock County Commission Chairman Jeff Hough turned back a primary challenge Tuesday night, while Craig Yadon claimed victory in a three-way race for an open commission seat, setting up an uncontested path to November for both Republicans.
Hough, who represents District 2 on the Bannock County Commission, captured 57 percent of the vote against challenger Chris Schnitzler, who finished with 43 percent. The final tally showed Hough with 4,523 votes to Schnitzler’s 3,369.
“Thank you so much for your support,” Hough said after the results came in. “It tells me that we’re moving Bannock County in the right direction.”
Schnitzler, in a gracious concession, credited voters for participating regardless of the outcome. “I appreciate everyone that got out and voted today,” he said. “To the people that did vote for me, I deeply appreciate the support and the trust that was placed in me.”
Yadon Claims District 1 in Three-Way Race
The District 1 contest drew three candidates vying to replace incumbent Ernie Moser, who chose not to seek another term. Yadon led the field with 43 percent of the vote, or 3,391 total ballots. Candidate Damron finished second with 32 percent and 2,492 votes, while Jolley came in third at 26 percent with 2,027 votes.
District 1 covers the southern portion of Bannock County, including the western side of Pocatello up to the railroad tracks. District 2, where Hough holds his seat, encompasses most of Chubbuck and a northern portion of Pocatello, with Interstate 86 serving as its southern boundary.
Yadon, a community-focused newcomer to elected office, said he believed voters responded to his emphasis on service. “People see that I’m a guy that serves their needs,” he said, adding that his commitment to the community resonated at the ballot box.
What Comes Next
Both Hough and Yadon will advance to the November general election. No Democratic candidates filed to run for either commission seat, meaning both races are expected to be decided in the primary — effectively making Tuesday’s results the determining factor in who holds these seats. Voters looking for additional context on Bonneville County primary results from Tuesday night can find full coverage at Incumbent candidates leading most Bonneville County races.
For broader statewide election coverage, visit Idaho News.