Valerie Wade
Valerie Wade (Democratic) is a candidate for the Idaho State Senate in District 2 (Benewah, Bonner, Clearwater and 2 other counties) in the November 3, 2026 general election. Valerie Wade's career experience includes working as a geologist.
· Ballotpedia (secondary source)
Campaign site
“Keep Idaho's Public Lands in Public Hands! Public lands belong to all of us. They protect our water, support local jobs, and give us places to hunt, fish, hike, and recharge. Once they’re lost, they’re gone for good. Let’s keep them open, protected, and accessible—for today and for the next generation.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey) “Over the years, I’ve seen our schools, law enforcement, county services, and infrastructure slowly decline because of the mismanagement of our tax dollars in Boise. Our rural communities deserve better. My goal is simple: fight for the people of rural North Idaho and stand up for the values that make our communities strong.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey) “From early childhood learning to career and technical training to our colleges and universities, we need a system that supports every student at every stage. That means expanding access to affordable preschool so kids start strong. It means strengthening our K–12 schools with well-paid teachers and modern resources. And it means investing in trade schools and higher education so students can graduate with real skills—not overwhelming debt.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey)Phil Hart
Phil Hart (Republican) is the incumbent member of the Idaho State Senate representing District 2 (Benewah, Bonner, Clearwater and 2 other counties), running for re-election in the November 3, 2026 general election. Official legislative biography notes: Graduate of Awalt High School, Mountain View, California (1973); received B.S. in civil engineering, University of Utah (1980); received MBA from Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania (1984); Protestant; structural engineer and published author; served on Board of Directors, Remington Water District; served in House of Representatives (2004 to 2012); member of the American Legislative Exchange Council, Gun Owners of America, National Rifle Association, and Wharton Alumni Association; one daughter, Sarah.
“I’ve never seen him, I’ve never met him, never bumped into him at the grocery store or spotted him at a community event,.”
(khq.com) “we deserve a State Senator who is honest, a senator who lives in this district, and understands first-hand the unique challenges we face in our rural communities.”
(khq.com) “I’m hopeful that this can be addressed and put to bed so that this election can be fair and one with integrity.”
(khq.com)