Outside spending to influence voters in Idaho’s legislative primary elections is increasing. Political action committees, central committees, and individuals spent $3.99 million in independent expenditures on the primary elections this year, a 16% increase from the $3.34 million spent in 2024.

PAC Spending Breakdown

Defend and Protect Idaho PAC, a coalition of law enforcement members, business owners, faith leaders, and farmers, dedicated to combatting political extremism in Idaho, spent a total of $751,017. The PAC’s funding comes from a near-even mix of in- and out-of-state donations, including a $90,000 contribution from businessman Caleb Roope and $50,000 from hay magnate Richard Larsen.

Idaho Liberty PAC, funded almost entirely by the Idaho Victory Fund, spent a total of $576,636. The PAC supported several challengers who took on Gang of Eight members and found success in supporting Brent Reinke, who defeated Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld, and Brian Beckley, who defeated Rep. Faye Thompson.

Other notable PACs include Citizens Alliance of Idaho, Make Liberty Win, and 36-18-1 PAC, which spent a total of $506,757, $511,040, and $325,783, respectively.

Success Rates

The success rates of these PACs varied, with Idaho Liberty PAC achieving a 68% success rate, followed by 36-18-1 PAC at 61%, and Defend and Protect Idaho PAC at 39%.

Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.