Incumbents Lead Most Bonneville County Races in Tuesday Primary
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Incumbent candidates held leads in the majority of Bonneville County primary races as of Tuesday night, based on partial precinct results reported through 10 p.m. Election workers processed voters throughout the day at polling locations including the Idaho Falls Public Library on West Broadway Street.
Final certified results were not available at press time, with several contests remaining too close to call. Here is where the key races stood with partial precincts reporting.
County and Legislative Results at a Glance
In the Bonneville County Coroner Republican Primary, incumbent Shante Sanchez held a slim lead with 2,972 votes compared to challenger Tim Schuijt’s 2,836. The primary winner advances to the November general election ballot.
In the State House District 32A Republican Primary, incumbent Stephanie Mickelsen led Kelly Golden by a margin of 1,961 to 1,536. No Democratic candidate filed for that seat, meaning the primary winner is effectively elected.
The District 32B Republican Primary showed incumbent Erin Bingham ahead of challenger Brian McKellar, 1,985 to 1,457. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Kamber Weninger in the fall general election.
In District 33A, incumbent Barbara Ehardt held a narrow edge over Connor Cook, 1,300 to 1,230. The winner will square off against Democrat Chance Marshall in November. Similarly, District 33B incumbent Marco Erickson led challenger Jilene Burger 1,327 to 1,102, with Democrat Todd DeVries waiting in the general election.
One Incumbent Facing a Challenge
The closest contest Tuesday was the District 35A Republican Primary, where challenger Chad Christensen held a razor-thin lead over incumbent Mike Veile, 528 to 518, with partial precincts counted. That ten-vote margin could shift significantly as remaining ballots are tallied. The Republican nominee in that race will face Democrat Walter Boyd in November.
Voters participating in the primary at the Idaho Falls Public Library polling station received “I Voted” stickers upon completing their ballots, a familiar sight at Bonneville County polling sites on election day.
For context on other contested races on the Bonneville County ballot, voters also weighed in on judicial positions. Incumbent Judge Steven Boyce has spoken publicly about his reasons for seeking to continue serving on the 7th Judicial District bench, while Prosecutor Randy Neal outlined his decision to enter the 7th Judicial District judge race.
What Comes Next
Complete and certified primary election results are expected to be posted Wednesday morning. Candidates who advance through Tuesday’s primary will appear on the November general election ballot, where several East Idaho legislative seats will see Republican nominees face Democratic challengers. With multiple races decided by fewer than 500 votes, the final tallies could shift the picture in at least a few contests before results are officially certified by Bonneville County election officials.