Republicans suffered a critical loss.
A stunning political upset in Idaho has exposed growing divisions inside the Republican Party, as five members of one of the state’s most outspoken conservative groups were defeated in Tuesday’s GOP primary elections.
The results mark a major setback for Idaho’s “Gang of Eight,” a coalition of lawmakers known for championing lower spending, smaller government, election integrity, and tougher immigration enforcement.
In a state where Republicans dominate politics, primary elections often determine who will ultimately hold office. That makes these losses especially significant for conservatives across the country watching the future direction of the GOP.
Conservative Firebrands Ousted in Republican Primaries
Five members of the Gang of Eight were defeated by fellow Republicans:
- Glenneda Zuiderveld
- Josh Kohl
- Lucas Cayler
- Faye Thompson
- David Leavitt
Three members of the group survived and will continue to the general election:
- Elaine Price
- Clint Hostetler
- Kent Marmon
All 105 seats in the Idaho Legislature are up for election this year.
Who Is the Gang of Eight?
The Gang of Eight is aligned with the State Freedom Caucus Network, which is modeled after the House Freedom Caucus.
The group has earned support from grassroots conservatives by promoting:
- Lower taxes and reduced government spending
- State sovereignty and constitutional principles
- Stronger border security and immigration enforcement
- Proof-of-citizenship voting requirements
- Greater accountability from political leaders
Members have also backed the SAVE Act, a proposal requiring proof of citizenship and voter identification in federal elections.
Why These Primaries Matter
Idaho is one of the most conservative states in America, and Republican voters there are sending a clear message about how they want the party to govern.
The election results highlight a broader debate within the GOP: Should lawmakers push for sweeping reforms at any cost, or work within the existing system to achieve conservative victories step by step?
For many voters, the issue is not ideology but effectiveness.
Full Election Results
Idaho Senate Races
- Glenneda Zuiderveld lost to Brent Reinke by 60.14% to 39.86%.
- Josh Kohl was defeated by Casey Swensen by 57.87% to 42.13%.
Idaho House Races
- Lucas Cayler lost to Debbie Geyer by 53.28% to 46.72%.
- Faye Thompson was defeated by Brian Beckley by 59.13% to 40.87%.
- David Leavitt lost to Cherie Vollmer by 55.21% to 44.79%.
What This Means for President Trump and Conservatives
President Donald Trump remains the dominant figure in Republican politics, but state-level battles like this show that GOP voters are carefully choosing which leaders they believe can most effectively advance conservative priorities.
The issues championed by the Gang of Eight—fiscal discipline, border security, and election integrity—remain highly popular among Republican voters. But these results suggest many conservatives also want lawmakers who can build support and turn those ideas into lasting policy wins.
A Warning and an Opportunity for Republicans
The Idaho primaries serve as both a warning and an opportunity.
The warning: even strongly conservative lawmakers are not guaranteed reelection if voters believe they have been ineffective.
The opportunity: the core conservative message remains powerful, and candidates who combine strong principles with practical results are likely to continue winning.
Final Thoughts
The defeat of five members of Idaho’s Gang of Eight is one of the most notable Republican primary developments of the year.
While the conservative movement remains strong, Idaho voters made it clear that they want leaders who can deliver real results—not just make bold statements.
For Republicans nationwide, the lesson is simple: conservative values still matter, but effectiveness and leadership matter just as much.