Idaho Secretary of State's Office investigated more than 40 campaign complaints before primary
Ahead of the May 19 primary, Idaho’s statewide election office investigated more than 40 official complaints against campaigns.
Most of those complaints were resolved without penalties, one candidate withdrew himself, and five of those investigations are ongoing, according to Idaho Secretary of State records obtained by the Idaho Capital Sun.
The office of Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane oversees statewide, legislative and judicial races, while county clerks oversee local contests. Seven of the complaints received before the primary election were referred to county clerks.
“Our office carefully reviews every official campaign finance complaint we receive,” office Communications Director Chelsea Bishop said in an emailed statement to the Sun. “Our goal is to work with candidates and campaigns to resolve issues, provide education and guidance on compliance, and when necessary, issue fines or take corrective action for violations. Secretary McGrane has been a strong advocate for continued campaign finance reform for over a decade, which would allow candidates to continue campaigning while giving increased transparency and information to all Idahoans.”
https://idahocapitalsun.com/2026/05/29/idaho-secretary-of-states-office-investigated-more-than-40-campaign-complaints-before-primary/