Our 2026 Candidates
Legislative Candidates
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Richard Gayler
Idaho Senate
Richard is a lifelong public servant and volunteer. He has worked as a Child Abuse Investigator, State Probation Officer, and had a 24-year career as a Federal Probation Officer—16 of those years working in the counties of Benewah, Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce. He has served his community in many different organizations as a volunteer and in leadership roles.
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Robin Weldy
Idaho Senate
Robin grew up in District 6, has a 27-year-old son, and is a Precinct 19 Captain, and Nez Perce County Communications Committee Volunteer. She will use her extensive experience in running a 25-year business while representing Idaho District 6. Robin is running on affordable housing, healthcare, public education, public lands protection, and public safely and civil rights.
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Bryce Blankenship
Idaho House Seat 6A
Bryce is people-centered in all that he does. As an educator at The University of Idaho, an elected official on Moscow City Council, and yes—even as a bartender—his main motivation is connecting with and bettering people's lives. He offers a new voice and new vision for Idaho politics—one that is focused on addressing real issues affecting those throughout our District.
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Trish Carter-Goodheart
Idaho House Seat 6A
Trish Carter-Goodheart is a community advocate, nonprofit grant writer, and small business owner running for Idaho State Representative in District 6. A citizen of the Nez Perce Tribe, she was born and raised in Lapwai and is now raising her family there. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to rural families, tribal communities, and the long-term health of Idaho’s land and people.
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Kathy Dawes
Idaho House Seat 6B
Kathy will use her skills as an experienced teacher, community leader, and trained moderator in “Bringing Idahoans Together” to make Idaho a safe and welcoming place for ALL. She will support public schools, affordable housing and healthcare, protect voting rights, and defend our personal freedom to make healthcare decisions, including reproductive healthcare.
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Kenneth Williams
House Seat 6B
Kenneth Williams has called the Palouse home since 1993, where he has worked and raised his family. He has spent more than 30 years working as a teacher, custodian, and University of Idaho staff member. Coming from a farm and military family, he is running for the Idaho House to bring a practical, community-focused voice to education, healthcare access, and the strength of local communities built on hard work and service.
County Candidates
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Shannon May
County Clerk
After years teaching in public schools and at the University of Idaho, I now serve in the Clerk’s Office supporting the County Commissioners and have worked in local elections as both a county employee and Election Judge. I value service that is clear, dependable, and people-focused. My approach to public service is grounded in reliability, accuracy, and respect for the democratic process.
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Carole Wells
County Commissioner District 1
Carole is a “connector,” a person who has a knack for making friends and acquaintances with very different and disparate people and then using those relationships to grow and connect those people to each other. She will use that skill to encourage residents from all parts of Latah County to join our open meetings and to voice their opinions and concerns regarding county matters.
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Laura Heinse
County Commissioner District 2
Laura Heinse is running to help local communities plan well, improve infrastructure, expand access to housing and high-speed internet, protect our farmland and drinking water, and strengthen wildfire preparedness. With more than 20 years in public service, she brings practical stewardship and experience securing outside funding to reduce the burden on taxpayers.
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Debby Carscallen
County Coroner
Debby has served under Cathy Mabbutt as Latah County Deputy Coroner for 13 years. She has worked in prehospital emergency medicine, with the Moscow Volunteer Fire Department since 2002, becoming a paramedic in 2009 and the Division Chief of EMS Operations in 2017. Debby and her husband Dan have two grown children and an energetic golden retriever.
debbycarscallen4latahcoroner@gmail.com
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BJ Swanson
County Treasurer
As Latah County Treasurer, BJ modernized a 45-year-old tax system, enabling online taxpayer access and payments. Investment income grew from $19,000 to over $400,000 annually—directly reducing property taxes. With 30 years as a commercial bank vice president, BJ brings proven expertise and responsive, efficient service to every taxpayer.