Little Leads Pickens in Idaho Governor Race
Early returns show Republican Brad Little ahead of Democrat Terri Pickens as statewide races show early leads for Republican incumbents and challengers.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do you trust Idaho's state government to act in your community's interest?
Brad Little held 47.3% of the vote to Terri Pickens's 42.1% in early returns for Idaho governor as of 9:35 p.m. Tuesday. Much of the early return came from Ada County, and statewide races across Idaho also showed early leads for Republican incumbents and challengers.
Why it matters
The Cook Political Report rates the Idaho governor's race as solid Republican, and Republicans have won every statewide office in Idaho for two decades. Early results point to continued Republican strength across the state's top offices.
Early returns show Little at 47.3% and Pickens at 42.1% in the governor's race as of 9:35 p.m. Tuesday. Early totals are preliminary, and the final count was not yet available.
The players
Brad Little
Brad Little is the Republican governor of Idaho seeking reelection, and he has served as the state's chief executive since 2019.
Terri Pickens
Terri Pickens is the Democratic challenger in the Idaho governor's race.
Raúl Labrador
Raúl Labrador is a Republican former U.S. representative from Idaho who was trailing challenger Lori Hickman in early returns.
Lori Hickman
Lori Hickman is a challenger in the Idaho attorney general race who was endorsed by over 50 former deputy attorneys general.
The details
Early returns were reported on election night, with results current as of 9:35 p.m. Tuesday. Much of the early return came from Ada County, and Little had over $1 million in campaign funds as of Oct. 30.
Timeline
Oct. 30: Little's campaign fundraising balance was over $1 million.
Tuesday, 9:35 p.m.: Early returns showed Little leading Pickens 47.3% to 42.1%.
Season Trajectory
Republicans have won every statewide office in Idaho for two decades, and early returns extend that pattern across the governor, attorney general and other statewide races. The Cook Political Report's solid Republican rating for the governor's race reflects the same long-running trend.
Early returns suggest Idaho voters are leaning Republican across the state's top offices, which could shape policy decisions on state government for the next term. Final certified results will determine which candidates take office.
The takeaway
Early results show Republican candidates leading statewide races in Idaho, but these numbers are preliminary and final certified totals will confirm the outcome. Readers tracking the race should watch for updated counts from Ada County and other large jurisdictions.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in Elections for context on Idaho's statewide contests.
Live Poll
Do you trust Idaho's state government to act in your community's interest?
