Legislature · LD26 ·See your exact ballot on VoteIdaho
Clear pick Draft: awaiting review
Ron Taylor D
There is no independent poll of this race. Under rule 2 the pick is the non-Republican who finished highest last time: Ron Taylor (D) won in 2024 with 45.6%, while a different independent candidate (Kala Tate) took 10.5%. Taylor's 2024 margin was 1.6 points, smaller than the independent's share, so a split non-Republican vote could decide this seat. This is a hold: Taylor holds the seat now. District lines were the same in 2022 and 2024 (the post-2020-census map), so both results compare directly.
Method rule 2 · How we pick
The Idaho Legislature has 35 senators and 70 representatives, each elected for two-year terms; it levies taxes, appropriates public funds and oversees state agencies, and each district elects one senator and two representatives. (source)
Democrat · incumbent
“The people of District 26 should vote for me for several reasons, the most important is that I prioritize people over politics. I do not adhere to a party platform, nor do I pledge to vote a certain way before legislation is even written.”
His answer to why people should vote for him, in a TV-station candidate survey. · 2026-08-24 · Idaho News (CBS2/FOX9), 2026 general election candidate survey, 2026-08-24
Republican
His campaign site describes a long career in talk radio, advertising and public speaking; no prior elected office found.
“My vision is of a transparent, responsive and limited government that stays in its own lane, protects our rights and affords us the freedom to pursue happiness without undue interference.”
Campaign post "Why I'm Running for the Idaho Senate." · 2026-06-14 · Bryan Hyde for Senate, 2026-06-14
Independent
Independent; says in a 2026 candidate survey that she has interned at the Legislature since age 18.
“My top priorities for my district should be everyone's top priority, the Next Generation. A politician is only thinking about the next election, a patriot is always thinking about the next generation. I want to give the Next Gen. a voice!”
Her top priorities, in a TV-station candidate survey. · 2026-08-24 · Idaho News (CBS2/FOX9), 2026 general election candidate survey, 2026-08-24
If you are drawn to Shaila Tate, that is a real choice and an independent voice matters. The numbers are worth knowing, though: in 2024 an independent candidate took about 10% here and the seat was decided by 1.6 points. If your main goal is to keep this seat from going to the Republican candidate, Ron Taylor is the non-Republican who has won it twice. If you prefer Tate on the issues, vote for her; this is only about how the math works in a close three-way race.