Russ Fulcher Wins Fifth Term in Idaho First District

Republican Russ Fulcher won a fifth term representing Idaho's First Congressional District in the Tuesday election. Preliminary results show Fulcher securing 62.4% of the vote, defeating Democratic candidate Kaylee Peterson, who received 30.9%, as well as Independent Sarah Zabel and Constitution Party candidate Brendan Gomez.

Fulcher campaigned on reducing taxes, addressing data privacy through the 2026 PRIVACY Act, and transferring federal public land management to state agencies. He also supported the New Health Options Act as a voluntary alternative to the Affordable Care Act. In contrast, Peterson advocated for a single-payer healthcare system and opposed the transfer of public lands, specifically criticizing agreements intended to increase timber production.

Following his victory, Fulcher spoke at the Boise Centre, noting that Idaho's rapid growth may lead to the creation of a third congressional district by 2032.