Idaho Gov. Little wins third term; who’s leading races for statewide offices?

Idaho Republican Gov. Brad Little won his race for reelection to a third term, The Associated Press projected Tuesday night. Little had received 52.5% of the reported vote as of 10:45 p.m.

Democrat Terri Pickens was second at 36.6%.

“We’re not done yet,” Little said in front of a giant American flag backdrop at his election night party in downtown Boise.

Much of the early return was from Ada County.

The race wasn’t expected to be competitive. The Cook Political Report rated the Idaho governor’s race as “solid R,” one of just seven such races across the country. Republicans have won every statewide office in Idaho for two decades. Little also held a fundraising advantage, with over $1 million in his chest as of Oct. 30.

Attorney General Raúl Labrador was leading over challenger Lori Hickman, who was endorsed by over 50 former deputy attorneys general, according to previous Statesman reporting. Labrador, a controversial figure, outraised Hickman by hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to the Idaho Secretary of State Office’s website. Labrador was at 54.9%.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield, who carried the endorsement of the teacher’s union, was ahead of her opponent with 57.5% of the vote. Critchfield, notably, was one incumbent who actually debated her opponents this fall, according to the Idaho Capital Sun.

“I want to represent the entire education community,” Critchfield said, in a speech at Little’s election party downtown.

Phil McGrane, a Republican, was leading in his bid continue as secretary of state with over 64.2%. His challenger, Democrat Shawn Keenan, did not raise any money.

Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke was leading with 57.5% in his reelection campaign against Democratic opponent Eric Myricks.

Idaho State Controller Brandon Woolf was leading with close to 60.4% and state treasurer Julie Ellsworth was leading, with 59.9%.