State Senator District 16 in Idaho State Senate District 16, Idaho

2026 Primary Election

• Justin "justice" Mitson — Candidate for State Senator in ID

  Justin "Justice" Mitson is a Democratic candidate for the Idaho State Senate, representing District 16, in the 2026 election. He is currently on the ballot for the Democratic primary on May 19, 2026, where he will face Soñia Galaviz. Mitson previously sought the same seat in 2024, losing the Democratic primary with 11.1% of the vote. Campaign finance records for his 2024 bid show $32 in both contributions and expenditures. His profile does not detail specific policy positions or professional background.

• Soñia Galaviz — Incumbent Idaho House of Representatives District 16A in ID

  Soñia Galaviz is an educator, parent, and community volunteer currently serving as a Democratic Representative for Idaho House District 16A. She assumed office in December 2022 and her term concludes in December 2026. Galaviz is also campaigning for a seat in the Idaho State Senate, representing District 16, in the 2026 primary election on May 19. A dedicated advocate for public education, she earned multiple degrees from Boise State University, including an Ed.D. Her campaign focuses on fighting for working families, public education, conservation, and Idaho values. She has demonstrated her policy positions through votes, notably opposing House Bills 602 and 659 in the current legislative session.

• Geoffrey Surbeck — Candidate for State Senator District 16 in ID

  Geoffrey Surbeck is a Republican candidate running for the Idaho State Senate in District 16 in the 2026 election. A resident of Ada County, Idaho, he has engaged in local business and community organizations. This election marks his first foray into seeking public office, as he competes in the May 19, 2026 Republican primary for an open seat. Detailed policy positions, biographical information, and professional background have not yet been publicly released by his campaign or provided to voter guides.

• Leejoe Lay — Earthwork supervisor in ID

  LeeJoe Lay is a Republican challenger seeking election to the Idaho State Senate, representing District 16, a heavily Democratic area of Boise in Ada County. He works as an earthwork supervisor for an excavation small business. Lay has a history of campaigning for this seat, having lost the general elections in 2018 and 2020, and advancing from the primary but not appearing on the general election ballot in 2024. He is again on the ballot for the May 2026 Republican primary. His policy positions are characterized by an idiosyncratic blend of libertarian-leaning fiscal conservatism and unorthodox proposals, distinct from mainstream Republican traditions. The seat is open following the retirement of a three-term Democratic incumbent.