​May in Idaho isn’t just about warmer days, spring blooms, and gearing up for summer; it’s also one of the most important moments in our state’s civic calendar: primary election season.

This year’s upcoming primary gives Idahoans the opportunity to help shape the future of their communities, from choosing party nominees for higher offices to weighing in on critical local races that often have the most direct impact on our daily lives.

But let’s be honest, ballots can feel overwhelming. Between unfamiliar names, nonpartisan races, and local ballot measures, many voters find themselves asking the same question: Where do I even start?

That’s where local voter guides come in!

Why the Primary Election Matters
Primary elections are often overshadowed by the excitement of November’s general election, but they're just as crucial, if not more so. In Idaho, where many races are decided within party lines, the primary can effectively determine who ultimately holds office.

For numerous communities, this May primary includes not only statewide and federal races, but county-level offices such as commissioners, sheriffs, clerks, treasurers, and prosecutors. It also has fire district races and local levies.

These decisions directly affect our schools, infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life. In short, this is where local voices have the biggest impact.

Explore Local Voter Guides
To help you prepare for the upcoming primary, we’ve gathered a variety of local voter guides. Each offers a unique perspective and valuable insights into the candidates and issues on your ballot.

Available Voter Guides:

• KTVB’s Idaho Primary Election voter guide: What's on the ballot
• Idaho Capital Sun’s 2026 Idaho primary election voter guide
• 2026 Idaho Statesman Voter Guide for the May primary election
• Vote Idaho 
• Idaho EdNews Ballot Beat

​How to Make the Most of Election Season
As Election Day approaches, here are a few simple ways to stay informed and engaged:

• Seek out multiple voter guides
• Verify your voter registration and polling location early
• Talk with friends and neighbors about local issues
• Plan ahead for voting day—or vote early (available until May 15th)!

 
Enjoy the sunshine and longer days and take a moment to prepare for the primary. An informed vote is a powerful one! 

With the 2026 legislative session ending, we’re grateful for the thoughtful conversations and collaboration that continue to shape policies impacting Idaho’s business community.
 
Budget 
The state budget was the central focus of the session, with reductions across many agencies and programs, including 4% cuts and holdbacks. Higher education faces a 4% cut this year, with additional reductions beginning July 1st, 2027 (5% for four-year institutions and 3% for two-year colleges). Transportation funding was also significantly reduced, including a $165 million cut from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and $110 million from local highway districts. Despite these reductions, K-12 education remained fully funded. Efforts to restore these cuts and continued investments in these areas will continue to be a top priority for the Chamber.
 
Housing
Housing remained a key focus this session, with a mix of proposals aimed at increasing supply and expanding options across Idaho communities. HB 760, which would have created a new pathway for nonprofit and for-profit partnerships on affordable housing projects, ultimately did not pass, but reflects ongoing efforts to bring more tools to the table.
 
Several other measures moved forward to address housing availability. Lawmakers approved policies supporting small-lot starter homes (SB 1352aa), expanding opportunities for accessory dwelling units (SB 1354aa), and allowing manufactured homes in areas zoned for single-family housing (HB 800). Additional legislation (HB 707) reduces financing barriers for properties with secondary units, making it easier to develop and invest in diverse housing types.
 
While not every proposal crossed the finish line, including efforts to allow duplexes and twin homes more broadly (SB 1353aa), these conversations signal continued momentum toward increasing housing flexibility and supply. Housing will continue to be a priority for the Chamber, and we look forward to seeing how these new laws will help address the housing affordability and supply challenge of the Treasure Valley.
 
Support for Small Breweries
SB 1301 expands opportunities for Idaho’s small breweries by allowing up to two remote retail locations. It’s a small but meaningful step in supporting local businesses and entrepreneurship across the state and we appreciate the legislature for passing this legislation.
 
Tax Policy
Tax policy was a major focus early in the session. With the passage of HB 559, Idaho aligned with recent federal changes while adopting an approach to managing budget impacts, providing more predictability for businesses and the state alike. We appreciate the Legislature’s continued efforts to maintain conformity, which helps reduce complexity for employers operating across state lines. At the same time, we remain mindful of the importance of clear implementation, particularly around R&E expensing and retroactive application, to ensure businesses can plan with confidence and avoid unintended compliance challenges.
 
Late-session efforts to adjust Idaho’s 2021 local government budget growth limits (HB389, 2021) did not advance prior to adjournment. A proposal supported by cities and counties to modify population-based spending caps and better account for new construction revenue was ultimately not taken up for a final vote following procedural changes in the Senate.
 
Separately, HB 959 was approved and sent to the Governor. The legislation increases the property tax growth cap for fire and ambulance districts from 8% to 15% and phases out the use of prior-year revenue growth in setting future increases. It also establishes a voter initiative process allowing residents to adjust district budgets with a two-thirds majority vote, a provision opposed by many local governments due to concerns about added fiscal constraints.
 
Data center tax policy was also a significant topic of discussion this session. HB 895 was enacted to help ensure protection of water resources as data center development expands in Idaho.
 
HB 897, which did not pass, proposed changes to Idaho’s data center tax incentives, including limiting sales tax exemptions to server equipment, phasing out certain property tax exemptions for large capital investments, and adding requirements related to utility cost recovery, water use notification, and reporting on economic, energy, and water impacts.
 
HB 751 expands the State Tax Anticipated Revenue (STARs) program, which allows developers to use sales tax rebates generated within a new development to help fund transportation infrastructure improvements. The legislation lowers the minimum qualifying project cost from $6 million to $5 million and increases the maximum cap from $35 million to $100 million, broadening eligibility for participating projects.
 
The Chamber will continue to advocate for good tax policy for our members and incentive tools that help businesses expand and grow.
 
Workforce Development
Idaho LAUNCH, which is a key priority for the Chamber, remained a top issue this session. While funding saw a temporary reduction this year, the program itself remains unchanged continuing to support students, strengthen our workforce pipeline, and meet the needs of Idaho employers.
 
Healthcare 
The Rural Health Transformation Program, authorized through H.R. 1 (One Big Beautiful Bill), provides federal funding to strengthen rural healthcare access, quality, and workforce capacity. Idaho is expected to receive approximately $185.9 million annually over five years, totaling about $929 million.
 
SB 1453 creates a Rural Health Transformation Fund and an oversight committee to guide and review how funds are used, ensure transparency, and align spending with Idaho’s approved rural health plan. The Department of Health and Welfare will manage the funds, with ongoing legislative reporting and oversight throughout the grant period.
 
Medicaid expansion was another major topic this session and ultimately remains in place. However, HB 913 adds new work requirements for adults enrolled in the expansion population as a condition of receiving benefits. These changes are intended to introduce additional eligibility standards while maintaining the overall expansion program.
 
Investment in healthcare infrastructure remains a top priority for the Chamber.
 
Regulatory Impacts on Business 
HB 557 (did not pass) proposed limiting local governments’ ability to adopt anti-discrimination policies beyond state law. While it passed the House, it ultimately stalled in the Senate. We worked closely with the Idaho Chamber Alliance in opposing the bill, supporting the idea that local leaders are best positioned to make decisions that reflect their communities, workforce needs, and economic conditions.
 
​HB 764 (did not pass) creates prohibitions related to knowingly assisting, sheltering, or transporting individuals who are in the U.S. without legal status, including providing housing, financial support, or legal services when their presence is not authorized under federal law. From a business and nonprofit perspective, concerns were raised that the bill could expand liability into routine service relationships and create uncertainty for organizations serving clients who walk in the door. It also raised broader concerns about increased government involvement in private services and operations, which may impact human service providers and the business community. 
 
As always, our focus remains on advocating for policies that support a strong, balanced business environment across the Treasure Valley and beyond. We appreciate your engagement and look forward to keeping you updated in the months ahead.