Democrats hold on to south central Idaho legislative seats

Democrats held onto some legislative seats in southern Idaho Tuesday evening. All three Democrats gained their races in District 26, which incorporates Blaine, Lincoln and Jerome counties.

Which means Ron Taylor, a Democrat and former fireplace captain from Hailey, will take retiring Senate Minority chief Michelle Stennett’s seat. Taylor confronted off with two-term consultant Republican Laurie Lickley of Jerome. He got here out within the lead with 53% of the vote.

Lickley carried Jerome County by a big margin, securing about 80% of the vote there. Her marketing campaign additionally out-fundraised Taylor, bringing in additional than $120,000 earlier than the election in comparison with Taylor’s $74,000.

She additionally garnered some notable endorsements, together with from the Idaho Schooling Affiliation, Conservation Voters for Idaho and the Skilled Hearth Fighters of Idaho, regardless of her opponent’s former occupation.

However turnout may have made the most important distinction within the race. Practically two instances as many individuals solid ballots within the senate race in liberal Blaine County than Jerome and Lincoln mixed.

Within the weeks main as much as the election, Lickley confronted opposing commercials associated to her help for Idaho’s abortion set off ban. She stated, although she is staunchly anti-abortion, she thought the wording within the abortion regulation would possibly want some re-working.

Taylor, endorsed by Deliberate Parenthood Alliance Advocates, stated his presence within the statehouse may assist block additional legislative limiting reproductive rights.

In campaigning, Republican candidates within the district pitched themselves as moderates and Democrats hoped to maintain the seats which have long-been essential to the statewide get together.

For greater than 40 years in a row, the legislature has had a Democratic senator from the district together with the Wooden River Valley.

Democrat Karma Metzler Fitzgerald of Shoshone gained her home race and Rep. Ned Burns (D-Bellevue) will preserve his seat.

Discover reporter Rachel Cohen on Twitter @racheld_cohen

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