Category: kifi-local-news

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Republican incumbent Raúl Labrador defeated Democratic challenger Lori Hickman in a closely watched race for Idaho Attorney General.

The Associated Press called the race for Labrador early Wednesday morning at 3:07 a.m.

The campaign garnered widespread attention across the Gem State, particularly after 54 prominent Republicans—including former U.S. Attorney for Idaho Guy G. Hurlbutt—cross-party endorsed Hickman

A central part of the race was a debate over the nature of the Attorney General’s office itself. Throughout the campaign, Hickman argued that Labrador had politicized the position to advance an ideological agenda. Labrador countered by asserting that while the election process is inherently political, the duties of the office are not.

“When you are elected by the people, obviously it’s such an honor to be chosen by them to do it. But you also have to make sure that you’re listening to the people and you’re doing the things that they want you to do,” Labrador told Local News 8 in the lead-up to election day. “Because if you end up thinking you’re too important or thinking that you don’t really have to follow what your constituents want you to do, they can very easily get rid of you.”

On the campaign trail, Labrador highlighted key accomplishments from his first term, pointing specifically to his office’s efforts to clear a backlog of cases for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and his successful defense of Idaho’s abortion law.

The victory guarantees Labrador another four years serving as the state’s Attorney General.

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Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho voters have rejected Proposition 1, leaving the state’s strict abortion laws in place following a high-stakes campaign that drew nearly $10 million in spending from both sides, according to unofficial election results.

As of publication, 55.40% of eligible Idahoans voted no on the measure, with 36 out of 44 localities reporting.

Following the preliminary results, representatives for the “Stop Prop 1” campaign declared victory, saying Idaho votes cannot be bought, and their values will not be shaken.

“The people of Idaho have spoken,” said Mary Strow, Communications Director for Stop Prop 1. “They saw through the smokescreen of deception and barrage of out-of-state funded ads that sought to rewrite our laws and reshape our values. Idaho is and will always be a state that values life and protects the unborn.”

Failure of Proposition 1 means Idaho’s current abortion laws will stay in place. Currently, Idaho prohibits abortion, with exceptions in the case of rape or incest, or when necessary to save the mother’s life. Physicians who perform unauthorized abortions continue to face potential penalties of three to five years in prison and the suspension of their medical licenses.

Proponents of the measure expressed frustration with the outcome and signaled that their efforts would turn toward state lawmakers.

“It is hard to say what will happen related to our Legislature, but I think we can almost guarantee that they will not provide a solution. They’ve had four years to provide a solution to the problems caused by this ban, and they have failed to act. We would encourage the tens of thousands, the hundreds of thousands of Idahoans who signed the initiative and voted yes on prop one to reach out to their lawmakers and demand a fix to the problems created by this ban. They need to feel the pressure and the harm that this ban has created,” Melanie Folwell, Executive Director of Idahoans United for Women and Families said.

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Dylan Carder

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)- The Associated Press projects Republican incumbent Gov. Brad Little will win the Idaho gubernatorial election. With 83% of precincts reporting, Little leads with 325,469 votes, taking 56% of the total vote.

Little’s victory secures a third term in office. Democratic nominee Terri Pickens trailed in second place with 191,184 votes, earning 33% of the total vote.

Little first assumed the state’s highest executive office in 2018, replacing former Gov. Butch Otter. Prior to becoming governor, Little served as lieutenant governor under Otter for a decade. He subsequently secured a second term in 2022.

In a statement Wednesday, Little said he is eager to build on the last eight years’ success into the future.

“I am grateful and humbled by Idahoans’ continued confidence and support, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together over the past eight years,” Little said. “Idaho is stronger, more prosperous, and better positioned for the future than ever before. Our economy is growing, wages and household incomes are rising, and jobs are outpacing the national average.”

Pickens, a practicing attorney based in Boise, previously sought statewide office during a 2022 bid for lieutenant governor. That campaign ended in a loss to sitting Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke.

In her concession statement, Pickens maintained a defiant tone and was grateful for her supporters.

“Tuesday was both a great evening and a terrible evening for us. It was great to watch the national reckoning for Trump politics. It was terrible for Idaho to remain behind the electoral curve,” she said. “The result in no way diminishes my admiration for the good people–volunteers and candidates and voters–who worked tirelessly to show Idaho a brighter path. Thank you all.”

The gubernatorial ballot also featured several third-party and independent candidates. Independent John Stegner received 44,890 votes (8%), Libertarian Paul Sand received 9,352 votes (2%), Constitution Party candidate Pro Life received 7,448 votes (1%) and Independent Jacob Burnett received 207 votes.

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Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho voters have rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have given the Idaho Legislature sole authority to legalize marijuana and other substances, according to unofficial election results.

As of publication, House Joint Resolution 4 (HJR 4) failed after more than 66% of voters opted against the measure, with 36 of Idaho’s 44 counties reporting.

House Joint Resolution 4 would have given state legislators exclusive power to legalize marijuana and other substances, stripping that power away from voter-led ballot initiatives.

Reclaim Idaho formally opposed the constitutional amendment and released a statement following the vote. Luke Mayville, executive director of Reclaim Idaho, emphasized that voters were focused on preserving their legislative rights.

“Idaho voters clearly understood that HJR four was never about drugs; it was always about the right of Idaho voters to make their voices heard through the ballot-initiative process,” Mayville said.

Mayville noted that opposition to the resolution crossed party lines across the state. “We found Republicans, Democrats and Independents united in their view that this resolution was nothing more than a power grab by the Idaho Legislature,” Mayville said. “The defeat of HJR four is a big win for Idahoans and a big win for ballot-initiative rights.”

All election results remain unofficial until officially certified by the Idaho State Board of Canvassers.

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Dylan Carder

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – U.S. Sen. Jim Risch has won re-election to represent Idaho in the U.S. Senate. The 83-year old will serve a fourth term after defeating Independent Todd Achilles. He was first elected back in 2008.

Risch issued a statement thanking voters across the state. In reflecting on his previous term, Risch highlighted several key legislative actions, including efforts that successfully stopped the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project, secured a new Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise and preserved local ROTC programs.

Risch outlined his ongoing priorities for his next term in office, identifying economic relief and government oversight as central goals. “Lowering costs for our people, families and small businesses remains my top priority,” Risch said. “We must also rein in wasteful spending and costly regulations, expand our energy dominance, strengthen our communities and protect the natural resources that sustain our way of life.”

Before his tenure in the U.S. Senate, Risch built an extensive background in state and local government. He previously served as governor, lieutenant governor and state senator in Idaho. Early in his career, he served as the Ada County prosecuting attorney.

Risch stated he will return to Washington to work on his legislative priorities, focusing on cost-reduction policies for Idaho families and small businesses.

Here is Risch’s full statement:

General Election Press ReleaseDownload

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David Pace

Election Note: All results remain unofficial until they are formally certified by the State Board of Canvassers.

CLICK HERE to view the LATEST ELECTION RESULTS.

Proposition 1 Fails, Keeping Idaho’s Abortion Laws in Place

Idaho voters have rejected Proposition 1, leaving the state’s strict abortion laws in place following a high-stakes campaign that drew nearly $10 million in spending from both sides, according to unofficial election results.

As of publication, 55.40% of eligible Idahoans voted no on the measure, with 36 out of 44 localities reporting.

Failure of Proposition 1 means Idaho’s current abortion laws will stay in place. Currently, Idaho prohibits abortion, with exceptions in the case of rape or incest, or when necessary to save the mother’s life. Physicians who perform unauthorized abortions continue to face potential penalties of three to five years in prison and the suspension of their medical licenses.

Proposal granting Idaho Legislature full control over drug legalization fails

Idaho voters rejected House Joint Resolution 4 on Election Day, maintaining the public’s ability to influence drug legalization through ballot initiatives.

As of publication, House Joint Resolution 4 (HJR 4) failed after more than 66% of voters opted against the measure, with 36 of Idaho’s 44 counties reporting.

House Joint Resolution 4 would have given state legislators exclusive power to legalize marijuana and other substances, stripping that power away from voter-led ballot initiatives.

Risch wins U.S. Senate race over Achilles

U.S. Sen. Jim Risch has won re-election to represent Idaho in the U.S. Senate. The 83-year old will serve a fourth term after defeating Independent Todd Achilles.

As of 12:40 a.m., Risch has 328,921 votes (55.95%) to Todd Achilles’ 201,739 votes (34.31%), with 36 or 44 Idaho counties reporting.

AP Calls Governor’s race for Brad Little

The Associated Press is calling Idaho’s gubernatorial race for Brad Little as of 9:40 p.m., ABC News reports.

Little is projected to secure his third term as Idaho’s governor Tuesday night.

Little currently has 117,728 votes (49.72%), Democrat Terri Pickens is second with 93,860 votes (39.6%), Independent John R. Stegner has 20,038 votes (8.5%), Libertarian Paul Sand has secured 3,026 votes, and the Constitution Party’s Pro-Life, a person formerly known as Marvin Richardson, has 2,131 votes, as of 9:52 p.m.

Fuhriman returns to Idaho House in District 30 B

Incumbent Ben Fuhriman was reelected, maintaining a sizeable lead over challenger Bree Buckingham, to represent Butte and Bingham counties in District 30 B in the Idaho Legislature, per unofficial results.

Fuhriman received 11,867 votes (74.3%) to Buckingham’s 4,110 (25.7%).

Original post:

IDAHO (KIFI) — Polls are officially closed in Wyoming and set to close in Idaho at 8 p.m. Mountain Time for the November 2026 Midterm Election, and the numbers are rolling in.

Local News 8 has its finger on the pulse of the key races shaping Idaho. According to the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office, the earliest numbers should be made available around 9 p.m. MT.

Refresh this page throughout the night for real-time results and breaking news as the ballots are finalized.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this article prematurely called the District 33 election based on incomplete tally data. We temporarily removed that reporting and will update it as official results become available.

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Curtis Jackson

Click here, if you don’t see results.

WYOMING STATE RACES

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WYOMING STATE LEGISLATURE

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LINCOLN COUNTY

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TETON COUNTY

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Bryson Cook

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Midterm elections are underway, we wanted to know what inspires people to vote.

“it’s a privilege and a right that we as a nation get to cast our ballot and share what we want our culture to be,” says Shane McCurry.

“Because, it tells the world and the states what they really want.” Says Melanie Verhoeven. “And it gives you an opportunity to tell your story.”

When asked which issue on the ballot means the most we received a variety of answers from the state gun to Prop 1.

Amir Ali says “I’m interested in better education for people, and more freedom for people to express their opinions. I like to see my economy is getting better and better in the state level, in the national level as well. You see the inflation is hurting everybody, right? So gas prices are hurting everybody.”

Polls close tonight at 8 PM here in Idaho Falls, so make sure you go out and cast your ballot.

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Kaelyn Blessinger

STATE OF IDAHO (KIFI) – People have been lining up at the polls all day to cast their ballot, with the Idaho Secretary of State reporting 42% of voter participation as of 2 P.M. With so many people showing up to cast their ballot, you should expect a longer line.

Polling sites are expecting an increase in turnout after 5 P.M. which is when most people get off of work. Some voters are noticing increased wait time and are spending more time filling out their ballots, which may be caused by some of the longer ballot measures.

Ballotpedia ranked Idaho’s HJR4 and HJR6 as some of the hardest measures to understand on our ballots. With over a hundred words to read and many of the words were ranked at a college-graduate reading level, making understanding and readability really difficult for the average voter.

Idaho House Joint Resolution 4 is one of the most difficult-to-understand measures in the nation, according to Ballotpedia. The resolution would give the Idaho Legislature exclusive authority to legalize marijuana and other controlled substances, taking that power away from voters through the citizen-led initiative process.

Idaho House Joint Resolution 6 would make English the official state language. With a summary word count near 100, it may take time for voters to read through.

This could increase the time it takes for voters to fill out their ballot.

If you’re interested on a breakdown of the reading scores for each ballot measure, you can find more information on Ballotpedia’s website.

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Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Eight-time Grammy-nominated comedian Jim Gaffigan will be performing at the Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls as part of his ‘Everything is Wonderful Tour’ on January 21, 2027.

Gaffigan is known for his observational humor and relatable takes on everyday life, and is one of the most recognized comedians in the world.

According to Mountain America Center, tickets go on sale with a special pre-sale on Thursday, November 5, at 10:00 a.m., and to the general public on Friday, November 6, 2027 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or in person at the center’s box office.

According to the Mountain America Center, Gaffigan is an eight-time Grammy Award nominee, three-time Emmy Award winner, two-time New York Times bestselling author and multi-platinum-selling recording artist whose career spans comedy, television, film and Broadway. He has been recognized by Forbes as one of the top 10 comedians and by Pollstar as one of the highest-grossing comedians in the industry.

The venue said Gaffigan’s latest comedy special, The Skinny, premiered on Hulu in 2024 as the streaming platform’s first original stand-up special under its Hularious comedy brand. The special generated nearly 100 million online clip views. His previous special, Dark Pale, debuted on Amazon Prime Video in 2023, while his Netflix special Comedy Monster earned a Grammy nomination. Mountain America Center officials also noted Gaffigan became the first comedian to surpass one billion streams on Pandora.

Beyond stand-up comedy, Gaffigan has appeared in several film and television projects, including Netflix’s Unfrosted, Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy and the science-fiction drama Linoleum. He has also performed on Broadway and regularly contributes commentary to CBS Sunday Morning, a role that has helped earn him three Emmy Awards.

According to the Mountain America Center, Gaffigan has performed at some of the nation’s most prominent venues, including a sold-out arena tour with comedian Jerry Seinfeld and two sold-out shows at the Hollywood Bowl during the 2024 Netflix Is a Joke Festival.

For additional information about Jim Gaffigan and the Everything Is Wonderful Tour, visit jimgaffigan.com. 

You can also visit mountainamericacenter.com for more information on this show and other events coming to the arena.

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