November 5th was not the outcome we wanted or worked for.
In a continuation of a concerning trend in Idaho, we saw election communications dominated by out-of-state special interest groups, campaign disinformation, and wealthy out-of-state donors.
Rampant disinformation and misleading ads created confusion and fear about Proposition 1, leading to a 70% to 30% loss. We also saw multiple strong CVI-endorsed candidates lose their elections across the state. In Idaho’s most competitive districts (Districts 6, 15, 26, and 29), only three CVI-endorsed candidates won (Representative Steve Berch of D15, Senator Ron Taylor of D26, and Senator James Ruchti of D29).
Despite those losses, there were other victories on Tuesday. In addition to Berch and Ruchti, CVI-endorsed candidates that secured a victory include Todd Achilles, Chris Mathias, Melissa Wintrow, Ilana Rubel, Monica Church, Carrie Semmelroth, Janie Ward Engelking, Ali Rabe, and Megan Egbert. We also look forward to continuing to work with many Republican candidates that CVI endorsed for the May primary.
So while we are disappointed with some results, we are not discouraged. We are not discouraged because we have many conservation champions in office throughout the state, and know that over our 20 year history as an organization we have succeeded in achieving collaborative and impactful conservation wins and in protecting our democracy, despite Idaho’s challenging political environment.
That success has come because we know that Idahoans like you care about public lands, clean air, and clean water. 64% of Idahoans consider themselves to be conservationists, 64% of Idaho voters believe clean energy is good economics and creates jobs, and 82% of Idahoans would support new public lands in our state.
To ensure that legislators understand those values, we are doubling down on our local investments and on holding legislators accountable. To meet the challenges created by the primary and general elections results, we need to come together and reinvest and rebuild. As members, as advocates, and as candidates.
To protect what we love about our State, our communities and our democracy, we are committed to fighting back and holding the line by:
Building a Conservation Voter Movement community: When the political environment is difficult, we need community, so we will be opening up our office for more events and community gatherings.
Training advocates. We want to ensure you have the tools and resources to get involved in whatever way makes sense for you.
Building the bench. Through our Boards & Commissions Fellowship Program and additional candidate trainings, we will help ensure that Idaho has candidates who have the skills and support they need to advocate for their local communities.
Get your rest, connect with your community, and join us.
In solidarity with a deep fire within,
Alexis Pickering, Executive Director