Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador has thrown his support behind David Worley, a Republican challenger and Idaho National Guard major, in a contested Republican primary race against Sen. Jim Guthrie in District 28 — a high-profile endorsement that highlights growing tensions within the Idaho GOP heading into the May 19 primary election.
Background: A Long-Serving Senator Faces Intraparty Challenge
Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon, was first elected to the Idaho Legislature in 2010 and is currently seeking a ninth term. He chairs the Senate State Affairs Committee and has served in various public roles over the years, including as a former trustee for Marsh Valley School District and former Bannock County Commissioner.
Guthrie has drawn criticism this legislative session from conservative Republicans, primarily for not allowing hearings on immigration-related bills during his time leading the Senate State Affairs Committee. He also tops the Stop Idaho RINOs PAC’s list of Republicans who vote with Democrats — a designation that has made him a target heading into primary season.
His record reflects a more moderate brand of Republicanism. Guthrie voted against the $50 million Parental Choice Tax Credit and has pushed for restored and increased education budgets. He was also the sole Senate Republican to vote against a bill this session that regulates which bathrooms transgender people may use — a vote that has further strained his relationship with hardline conservatives in the state.
Labrador’s Endorsement and Worley’s Platform
In a formal press release, Attorney General Labrador made clear why he is backing Worley over the incumbent.
“Voters are tired of politicians who campaign one way at home and govern another when they are in Boise,” Labrador stated. “David is different. He’ll bring integrity, courage, and common sense to the Senate. I encourage Republicans in District 28 to support David Worley on May 19.”
Labrador said Worley would fight for Idaho families, support strong border security, and hold government accountable — themes that resonate with the conservative wing of the Idaho Republican Party that has grown increasingly frustrated with lawmakers they perceive as blocking conservative legislation through procedural maneuvers.
Worley, a major in the Idaho National Guard, ran for Senate in 2022 but lost in the general election to Sen. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello. Now running in District 28, he is making transparency and immigration enforcement central to his campaign.
In response to a candidate survey, Worley wrote: “In Boise, too many decisions are controlled by procedure and closed-door gatekeeping, and that undermines trust. I am running to uphold immigration law, defend Idaho family values, and restore integrity and transparency so the people’s business happens in daylight.”
On his campaign website, Worley has staked out strong social conservative positions, stating that he believes Christian morality is the “foundation of Western Civilization” and that the state plays a legitimate role in supporting public and private morality. He has committed to banning the use of government resources to advance what he describes as the LGBTQ agenda. He also opposes what he calls “Cultural Marxism” in public schools, arguing that schools should not promote hatred of the nation.
Dismissed Lawsuit Adds Legal Backdrop to Race
Worley’s candidacy carries some legal history. In January 2025, he filed a religious discrimination lawsuit against leaders of the Idaho National Guard, claiming they had affirmed a “No Christians in Command” policy. U.S. District Court Judge David C. Nye dismissed the suit in February, writing in his memorandum and order that it was not clear to the court that such a policy exists.
Neither Worley nor Guthrie have responded to multiple requests for phone interviews for an election profile. Guthrie has also not submitted responses to the candidate survey, while Worley did provide written answers.
What Comes Next
The Republican primary in Idaho’s District 28 is scheduled for May 19. The winner of that contest will advance as the Republican nominee. District 28 voters interested in learning more about either candidate can review Worley’s published candidate survey responses and consult candidate websites for platform details.
The endorsement from Idaho’s top law enforcement officer adds significant visibility to what had been a lower-profile intraparty race and signals that the battle over the direction of the Idaho Republican Party — between its establishment and its conservative base — remains very much alive heading into primary season.