Who’s running to represent Idaho in US Congress? Hear directly from the candidates

Across three races to represent Idaho in Congress, Republican incumbents are defending their seats in the Nov. 8 general election against Democratic challengers and third-party candidates.

The Idaho Statesman circulated surveys to each of the candidates. Their responses, unedited, are below.

U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, of Idaho Falls, faces four opponents: Democrat David Roth of Idaho Falls; independent challenger Scott Cleveland of Garden City; Constitution Party candidate Ray Writz, of Coeur d’Alene; and Libertarian Idaho Sierra Law (aka Carta Reale Sierra), of Pocatello.

Crapo seeks a fifth six-year term in the seat, which he has held since 1999. Before that, he served three terms in the U.S. House. None of his rivals have held elected office before.

Neither Writz nor Idaho Sierra Law could be reached by the Statesman to participate in the survey.

In the first of two House races to serve two-year terms, incumbent Rep. Russ Fulcher, who represents the 1st Congressional District, square off with Democrat Kaylee Peterson, of Eagle, and Libertarian Darian Drake, of Post Falls. The district encompasses part of Boise, western and North Idaho.

Fulcher, who makes his home in Meridian, is seeking a third term after not facing a challenger in May’s Republican primary. He declined to participate in a pre-election debate and in the Statesman survey. Peterson, a first-time candidate, ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.

In the 2nd Congressional District, 12-term incumbent Rep. Mike Simpson faces Democrat Wendy Norman of Rigby. Simpson represents eastern Idaho and part of Boise.

Simpson, of Idaho Falls, defeated Idaho Falls attorney Bryan Smith in the May primary with 54.6% of votes. Norman, a political newcomer, ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. Simpson also declined to participate in debates.

Learn more about other local elections at IdahoStatesman.com/voter-guide.

Use the horizontal scroll bar underneath each Q&A as needed to read the full Q&A. You also can click on the chart and drag horizontally.