Who's In the Race

Idaho's 2nd House District heads to a general election on Nov. 3, with Republican incumbent Mike Simpson (R-ID) facing off against Democrat Elinor Gilbreath. Simpson, who trained as a dentist and served in the Idaho Legislature for six years before entering Congress, has held the seat since 1999. Gilbreath is a lawyer and mediator who graduated from Georgetown University Law Center. Libertarian Will Johanson and independents Tripp Hutchinson and Emre Houser are also on the ballot. ​

Simpson won the Republican primary with about 63%, while Gilbreath took the Democratic primary with about 72% of the vote. of the vote over Brian Keene.

What They Stand For

Simpson has said he is "fighting to build the wall, add more border patrol agents, and stop" illegal immigration, according to his campaign website. He has described promoting Idaho agriculture as a top priority, saying he works to "promote and protect" the state's agricultural industries. He opposes the Green New Deal, which he calls an "overreaching and ambiguous" plan, while acknowledging concerns about climate change. On public lands, his House website says federal agencies should be "a good neighbor" to states and communities. His campaign site also identifies him as pro-life, opposing abortion with exceptions for rape, incest, or danger to the mother's life.

Gilbreath has said on her campaign website that she wants Congress to "return to its constitutional role" of making laws, checking executive power, and serving the public rather than party leaders or donors. She opposes selling or transferring public lands, and has proposed fighting price gouging, pursuing tax fairness, stopping Wall Street from buying Idaho homes, and supporting small businesses to lower family costs. She also calls for stronger rural healthcare systems, greater provider access, transparent drug pricing, and protection of maternal health and family services.

Johanson, a former nuclear operator in the U.S. Navy, has said on his campaign website that he will vote "No" on any budget that increases the national debt. His campaign site also emphasizes his support for the Second Amendment, and his advocacy for limited government and strong national defense.

The Money Behind the Race

Simpson raised about $1.1 million through June 30, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings, and had about $429,000 in the bank. Gilbreath raised about $107,000 through June 30 and had about $71,000 cash on hand. Hutchinson, running as an independent, fell behind, raising only about $7,565 through June 30 and had about $6,963 .

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report rated the race Solid Republican as of Sept. 25, Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it Solid Republican as of Sept. 29, and Inside Elections rated it Solid Republican as of Oct. 2. On Kalshi, traders gave Simpson a 97.5% chance of winning as of Oct. 8, while Gilbreath stood at 2.5%.

Simpson won the district with about 64% in 2022 and about 58% in 2024. Meanwhile, Donald Trump carried Idaho in the 2024 presidential election with about 66% of the vote.

---

AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article