OPINION: KCRCC Corner — The aftermath

Idaho remains firmly Republican, but the 2026 midterm election demonstrated that even in a strongly red state, voter participation is crucial.

Voter Turnout

Approximately 67.34% of registered voters in Kootenai County participated in the November 2026 General Election — 77,063 ballots cast out of 114,380 registered voters. Compared with the rest of the state, Kootenai County ranked 23rd among Idaho’s 44 counties, while statewide turnout averaged 69%.  

As Idaho’s third-largest county, Kootenai County trailed Ada County (74%) and barely edged out Canyon County (65%). A 67% turnout is respectable, but we must do better.

The Defeat of Prop 1

Thank you to the churches, organizations, and individual citizens who stepped up. Without everyone working together, the outcome could have been very different.  

Thank you to those who put a sign in their yards. Many of you had never done that before, and it can be awkward when your neighbor’s sign is contrary.  

Thank you to those who became informed and distributed literature. “No on Prop 1” placards could be spotted on bulletin boards all around town.  

And thank you to those, young and old, who went door to door to share their passion for protecting the unborn. Bravo! Your efforts made a difference.

Don’t Take Idaho for Granted

Following the General Election, Republicans retained control of the Idaho Legislature, although Democrats picked up six additional seats: five in the House and one in the Senate. Democrats increased their House caucus from 9 to 14 members and their Senate caucus from 6 to 7. The final count out of 105 legislative seats: 85 Republicans and 20 Democrats.  

Nationally, Republicans did not fare as well, and losses in many parts of the country overshadowed victories. One possible explanation is that Democrats turned out as if it were a presidential election, while Republicans did not. Preliminary analysis suggests Democratic and dissatisfied voters were more motivated to participate than Republican voters.

Lock Arms

Republicans in Kootenai County, now more than ever, need to lock arms and prepare for the fight ahead. The different factions within our party do not have to agree on everything, but it is time to come together and focus on getting more Republicans involved. Reach out to newcomers moving into our area, get to know them, and invite them to become active in the party.

Personal Responsibility 

It would be easy to point a finger and blame so-and-so for the significant Republican losses across the nation, to say, “It was their fault.” But change begins with individual actions. The outcome of an election is the sum of millions of individual decisions. A political party can inform, warn, encourage, and promote candidates, but ultimately each person is responsible for showing up and casting a ballot. Personal responsibility is a core principle of the Idaho GOP platform.

Moving Forward 

First, we must stay informed. Staying informed is essential to understanding the issues and discerning truth from fiction. During the battle to defeat Prop 1, rumors and misinformation flew. Sorting through the noise takes effort, and that effort will grow more important as additional initiatives come down the pike, as they surely will.  

Next, get behind your Republican elected officials — your senator, representative, mayor, city council members, and board trustees. Get personal. Have you had coffee with your mayor? Have you spoken with your senator or representative? One benefit of living in a smaller community is the accessibility of your elected officials. Take advantage of it.  

Finally, push yourself to do a bit more than you already are. Kootenai County Republicans cannot afford to rest on their laurels. Give a little extra to a conservative candidate. Show up at the next KCRCC-sponsored legislative town hall. Attend the annual Lincoln Day Dinner. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with your senator or representative. Subscribe to their newsletter, follow them on social media, and pray for them. Back the organizations fighting for the legislation and causes you care about. Take one more step.

In Closing 

“Elections will be won and lost, political movements will rise and fall, but our responsibilities do not expire with an election. We owe it to those who came before us, and to those who will come after us, to preserve liberties entrusted to our care. The Republic is not something we merely inherit. It is something we must continually maintain. The work remains, and so must we.” — Rep. Daniel Singh, Wyoming  

Being a Republican state today does not guarantee that Idaho will remain one tomorrow. We must stay engaged, stand firm in our principles, and continue working to preserve our way of life in Kootenai County.

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Jenny Holmes is a KCRCC State Commiteewoman and liaison to the KCRCC Communications Committee.