Blaine County Republicans Announce 2026 Candidates and Growing Central Committee

The Blaine County Republican Central Committee announces the slate of Republican candidates running in the 2026 election cycle and highlights continued growth of the party at the local level.

Legislative District 26

In Legislative District 26 (which covers Blaine, Lincoln and Jerome counties), Bryan Hyde of Jerome is the Republican candidate for the Idaho State Senate, and Lyle Johnstone of Eden is the Republican candidate for the District 26B House seat. With no primary challengers, both Hyde and Johnstone have advanced directly to the general election and will begin focusing their efforts on November.

The District 26A House seat will feature a Republican primary contest between incumbent Representative Mike Pohanka and challenger Jeff Emerick.

Blaine County Offices

Carey Mayor Logan Davis, who was elected to lead the city in November 2025, has filed to run for the Blaine County Commission seat representing the southern portion of the county, bringing his local government experience and perspective from the south county communities to the race.

In the race for Blaine County Clerk, Darcy Creech has filed as the Republican candidate and will run on a platform focused on election integrity, transparency, and professionalism in the clerk’s office.

Blaine County Republican Central Committee

The May 19 primary election will also mark an important milestone for the Republican Party in Blaine County. On that date, voters will elect precinct committee men and women who will lead the Blaine County Republican Central Committee for the next two years. These grassroots volunteers play a critical role in building the local party, engaging voters, and supporting candidates who represent conservative values in our community.

The following individuals have filed and will run unopposed for precinct committee positions across Blaine County:

• Precinct 1 – North Blaine County: Darcy Creech
• Precinct 2 – Sun Valley: Adam Chafetz
• Precinct 3 – North Ketchum: Jill Williams
• Precinct 4 – South Ketchum: Juanita Young
• Precinct 5 – Quigley: Maria Gerhardt
• Precinct 6 – Deer Creek: Brian Opp
• Precinct 7 – Northwest Hailey: Phil Rainey
• Precinct 8 – Northeast Hailey: Heather Lauer
• Precinct 10 – Northwest Woodside: John Casey
• Precinct 11 – Southeast Woodside: Andrea Parker
• Precinct 12 – Poverty Flats: Shawn Grow
• Precinct 13 – Bellevue: Rick Olson
• Precinct 14 – Carey: Camille Kloer
• Precinct 15 – Gannett/Picabo: Mike Jaskowski

Following the May 19 primary, when these positions are officially filled, the Blaine County Republican Central Committee will convene to reorganize and elect officers who will lead the party for the 2026–2028 term.

The committee thanks the candidates who have stepped forward to run for office and the volunteers who are helping to strengthen the Republican Party at the grassroots level. Their willingness to serve ensures that Blaine County voters will have competitive elections and meaningful choices this year.

Additional information about the May 19 primary election and the November 3 general election will be shared in the coming weeks and months.