BOISE, Idaho — Traditional Idaho Republicans won most top races in Tuesday’s GOP primary, while the far-right-wing of the party gained ground in other areas, especially the Senate, setting up new power structures that may reshape the Republican Party.
This week’s election was widely considered a referendum on the direction of the Idaho GOP. Years-long debates over COVID-19 public health measures, election security and the state’s role in challenging the federal government culminated in a tumultuous primary in which the term “RINO” (Republican in name only) was bandied about often.
In races for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and the superintendent, establishment Republicans claimed victory over opponents who hoped to elevate their right-wing activism to higher office. Those talking points included chasing down public school “indoctrination” and election fraud, while fighting reactionary battles against social justice.
