The Candidates
It’s time we introduced you to the challengers running against Magic Valley’s conservative incumbents. Here they are.
- Alexandra Caval, challenging Rep. Clint Hostetler (Dist 24).
- Brent Reinke, challenging Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld (Dist 24).
- Casey Swensen, challenging Sen. Josh Kohl (Dist 25).
- Cherie Vollmer, challenging Rep. David Leavitt (Dist 25).
- Don Hall, appointed by Gov. Little to replace Rep. Lance Clow (Dist 24).
A quick search of their websites shows they promise voters to put families first, be common sense conservatives, will maintain local values, be fiscally responsible, build strong communities, offer practical solutions, and speak for the people, not outside interests.
Boy, they sure sound a lot like our conservative incumbents, don’t they?
Who, by the way, have all earned some of the highest conservative scorecards in 2025 by the Idaho Freedom Foundation, Stop Idaho RINOs and Institute of Legislative Analysis.
One has to wonder, then why are these ‘conservative’ challengers running against proven Magic Valley conservatives in their own party?
Hmmm.
Idaho’s Corporate Money Machine
For that answer, look no further than who is endorsing them. Enter Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry (IACI), the most powerful corporate lobby machine in Idaho that should concern every Idaho grassroot voter.
If you believe government should answer to voters, not international corporate board members, here’s the who’s who that’s funding the challengers, and not just in the Magic Valley but many conservative incumbents in 2026.
IACI’s political muscle flows through its massive Idaho Prosperity Fund PAC. This is not fueled by $20 grassroots donors but the likes of IACI’s Diamond Sponsors…
As Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld (Dist 24) states in her latest Substack, “These corporations don’t donate out of charity. They donate because state policy affects their bottom line. So, when IACI endorses a candidate, that endorsement is not symbolic. It is a transaction. Votes in exchange for protection.”
Brian Almon of Gem State Chronical says this about IACI’s policy-making powers influencing Gov. Brad Little’s office:
I would take it a step further and say that the biggest way IACI influences policy is not even at the legislative level. Despite its lobbying and electioneering via the Idaho Prosperity Fund, IACI holds the biggest seat at the table when it comes to how Gov. Brad Little and directors of executive agencies implement policy in Idaho.
The Choice is Yours, Magic Valley
In Idaho, where Republicans hold 90 of 105 seats in the Legislature, the biggest battles at the ballot box often play out in the May primary elections. And yet, just 27.9% of registered voters participated in the May 2024 primary election.
In the 2026 May Primary, Republican voters will make a clear choice about who represents the Magic Valley: Candidates endorsed by IACI or candidates who have a proven record as grassroots, independent, and accountable to the people.
When our politicians make their political decisions based on who’s given them the most money, we don’t have a political system, we have an auction.
Vote May 19, 2026
Further reading: The IACI Uniparty