Thirteen-term U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, a Republican from Idaho, emerged victorious in the Republican primary for Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District. With his win, Simpson, who has represented the state in Congress for 13 consecutive terms, is set to face off against Idaho Falls Democrat David Roth, who is running unopposed, in the general election in November. Simpson has been serving the district since the late 1990s, with his political career spanning back to his time on the Blackfoot City Council in 1980.
Despite his long-standing career in politics, Simpson recently faced some challenges within his own party after he sided with several members in calling for an investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol riots and against a recount of the 2020 election results. This move led to some division within the Republican party, but it did not hinder Simpson’s success in the primary election. He ultimately won the GOP primary for 2022 with 55% of the vote, solidifying his position as the party’s candidate for the general election.
Simpson’s victory in the primary comes at a time when political dynamics are shifting in certain areas, such as the West Coast exodus driving surprising political effects in red states. Despite these changes, Simpson was able to secure his win and move forward to compete in the upcoming general election. With his longstanding experience and track record, Simpson remains a prominent figure in Idaho politics and continues to garner support from voters within the 2nd Congressional District.
As the general election approaches, Simpson will face off against Democrat David Roth in a bid to retain his seat in Congress. Roth, who is running unopposed on the Democratic ticket, will pose a challenge to Simpson in the upcoming race. With the political landscape evolving and new issues emerging, the general election in November will be a pivotal moment for both candidates as they strive to secure the support of voters and make their case for representation in Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District.
For Simpson, the general election will be an opportunity to showcase his experience, values, and vision for the district moving forward. As a seasoned politician with a long history of serving the people of Idaho, Simpson will need to engage with voters, address key issues, and present a compelling case for his re-election. As the campaign unfolds, both Simpson and Roth will have to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with vying for a seat in Congress, ultimately leaving it up to the voters to decide the future of Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District.
