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Committee backs bill to replace caucuses with state-run presidential primary
Summary
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to send S 1398 to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation; the bill would add the office of President to Idaho’s state primary and move the primary to the Tuesday after the first Monday in May to replace the caucus system.
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted March 20 to advance S 1398, a bill to reinstate a state-administered presidential primary and set the presidential primary date to the Tuesday following the first Monday in May.
Chairman Guthrie described the change as replacing Idaho’s caucus system, which committee members and several witnesses said has lowered voter turnout in recent years. Phil McGrane, Idaho Secretary of State, told the committee there was “strong demand from voters to restore Presidential primaries,” and said combining the presidential contest with state primaries would increase turnout and simplify election cycles.
Senator Toews asked how long Idaho previously held presidential primaries; McGrane said Idaho used March primaries until 2012 before moving to caucuses to increase national influence and noted party-run caucuses were held in 2024 due to a 2023 legislative issue. Representative Marsha Bravo of the Idaho League of Women Voters testified in favor of S 1398, saying caucuses had negatively affected turnout and that a statewide primary would support voter education and save money.
Senator Den Hartog moved to send S 1398 to the floor with a do pass recommendation; Senator Harris seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.
The committee’s action sends S 1398 to the Senate floor for further consideration; the bill would change Idaho’s presidential nomination procedure if passed by the Legislature and enacted.
