Lindsey, Zimmerman headline incumbent sweep on Election Day

WALLACE –– Incumbents went a perfect five for five during Tuesday’s General Election in Shoshone County.  

83.9% of registered voters cast 6,214 votes, re-electing Jeff Zimmerman and Holly Lindsey, while also doing their part to retain state legislators Phil Hart, Dale Hawkins, and Heather Scott.  

Shoshone County Elections Clerk Savanna Willer was pleased with the turnout, highlighting higher voter turnout that was likely indicative of the Presidential Election at the top of the ballot.  

“It was a great turnout,” Willer said. “I am so happy to see people excited to come out and participate in our local elections.”  

At the local level, the two most intriguing elections featured races for Shoshone County Sheriff, and District 3 Commissioner. 

The sheriff’s race was decided by just 985 votes, as Democratic incumbent Holly Lindsey beat Republican David Hildebrand and write-in candidate Todd Bartlett. Lindsey was appointed in 2022, making her Idaho’s first female sheriff in state history. Her win on Tuesday makes her the only elected female sheriff in Idaho history.  

Lindsey, who secured just over 56% of the total votes, was moved by the support she received from the voters. 

“I am deeply humbled and grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me to continue serving as your sheriff,” Lindsey said. “It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and supportive community. I promise to do everything in my power to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and dedication that you deserve in your Sheriff. Thank you for the opportunity, Shoshone County.” 

Shoshone County District 3 Commissioner Jeff Zimmerman beat Democratic challenger Jack Rupp, securing 68.53% of the total votes cast. Zimmerman’s second term as commissioner will be a four-year term. Zimmerman couldn’t be reached for comment.  

Three Shoshone County seats were filled by Republicans Benjamin Allen (prosecutor), Melissa Cowles (Dist. 1 commissioner), and Lori Osterberg (clerk) who all ran unopposed.  

Magistrate Judge Keisha Oxendine was retained in her position, garnering more than 80% of voters’ approval.  

Two ballot measures were voted on, including Proposition One and Idaho Constitutional Amendment HJR 5.  

HJR 5 provides additional language that ensures only United States citizens vote in elections in the State of Idaho. It passed in Shoshone County with 65.7% of voters approving the amendment, which passed statewide with 65% approval.  

Proposition One, which included changing Idaho’s Primary Election system to an open primary, ranked-choice voting system, failed in Shoshone County with almost 74% of voters rejecting the measure. Prop. One was equally unpopular statewide as well, failing by almost 70%.  

The three Republican legislators for District 2 each garnered at least 70% of the votes in their races as Dale Hawkins and Heather Scott beat out Tami Holdahl (I) and Loree Peery respectively for District 2’s two seats in the Idaho House of Representatives. Phil Hart beat out Democrat Tom Hearn for District 2’s senate seat.  

In the presidential race, Republican Donald J. Trump received 4,500 votes, while Vice President Kamala Harris received 1,472.  

Republican incumbent Rep. Russ Fulcher secured 71% of voters’ support in Shoshone County, beating out Democratic challenger Kaylee Petersen.  

For full election results, visit www.voteidaho.gov.