Elinor
Gilbreath
Democratic challenger for Idaho's 2nd Congressional District; lawyer and mediator based in Ketchum, Idaho
- sources
- 8
- positions
- 10
- endorsements
- 1
Background
Elinor "Ellie" Gilbreath is the 2026 Democratic nominee for U.S. House in Idaho's 2nd Congressional District, challenging Republican incumbent Mike Simpson. The Federal Election Commission classifies her candidacy as a challenger. 123
Gilbreath has lived in Ketchum, Idaho for more than 23 years, as reported by the Idaho Mountain Express in March 2026. She graduated from UCLA and Georgetown University Law Center, according to KREM. 526
She describes herself as a lawyer, mediator, and problem-solver with more than 20 years of experience working with businesses, civic leaders, nonprofits, schools, and communities on conflict resolution and complex decisions. She previously owned and operated Ellie Newman Coaching, a business and personal coaching practice, before stepping back from that work as her political involvement grew. 1126
Gilbreath has never held an elected office prior to this campaign, as reported by the Idaho Mountain Express. 26
At a glance
- Party
- Democratic Party
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 2, Idaho
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Website
- ellieforidaho.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Sep 29newsGeneral-election ballot lineup for Idaho's 2nd District confirmed with Gilbreath among five candidates
Election voter guides listed Gilbreath alongside Republican incumbent Mike Simpson, independents Emre Houser and Tripp Charles Hutchinson, and Libertarian Will Johanson as the five candidates on the November 3, 2026 general-election ballot for Idaho's 2nd District.
Idaho General Election voter guide: Candidates, races on the ... · Sep 29, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 18newsIdaho State Journal reports Gilbreath campaign finance figures
The Idaho State Journal reported the same FEC fundraising figures for Gilbreath through June 30, 2026, corroborating the earlier Idaho Capital Sun report on her approximately $107,000 raised and ~$35,700 spent.
Idaho District 2 congressional candidates say they're worried about ... · Sep 18, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 15newsGilbreath outlines priorities on rural health care, immigration, and public lands
In an interview reported by the Idaho Capital Sun, Gilbreath called for expanded federal funding for rural hospitals, trade-school parity, and changes to the H-2A visa program for year-round agricultural businesses. She criticized the Rural Healthcare Transformation Grant program and opposed transferring federal public lands to state ownership.
Idaho District 2 congressional candidates say they're worried about ... · Sep 15, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 15newsFundraising figures show Gilbreath raised nearly $107,000 through June 30
FEC data through June 30 reported by the Idaho Capital Sun showed Gilbreath's campaign had raised nearly $107,000 and spent around $35,700, with more than $35,000 coming through ActBlue and no PAC contributions. Incumbent Mike Simpson had raised over $1.1 million by comparison.
Idaho District 2 congressional candidates say they're worried about ... · Sep 15, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - May 19newsGilbreath wins Democratic primary with 72.5% of the vote
Gilbreath defeated Julie Wiley in the Democratic primary, receiving 19,525 votes (72.5%). Wiley's name remained on the ballot after she announced she would end her campaign and endorse Gilbreath.
Idaho Primary Election Results 2026 · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Feb 24filingElinor 'Ellie' Gilbreath files for Idaho's 2nd District U.S. House race
Gilbreath filed on February 24, 2026, and the Idaho Secretary of State's filed-candidates search listed her filing as approved, placing her on the path to the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.
Ellie Gilbreath, U.S. House District 2 | Idaho Voter Guide · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- Julie Wiley otherFellow Democratic primary candidate Julie Wiley ended her campaign and endorsed Gilbreath, stating 'I believe [Ellie] will do an excellent job.' Exact date within March 2026 not established in sources reviewed. julieforcongress.org · Mar 1, 2026
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $107K
- Spent
- $36K
- Cash on hand
- $71K
As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H6ID02274(opens in a new tab)
Sources 8
- [1] Idaho Primary Election Results 2026(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
- [2] Ellie Gilbreath, U.S. House District 2 | Idaho Voter Guide(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [3] Idaho General Election voter guide: Candidates, races on the ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
- [4] Idaho District 2 congressional candidates say they're worried about ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 18, 2026
- [5] Idaho District 2 congressional candidates say they're worried about ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 15, 2026
- [6] Ellie For Idaho(opens in a new tab) May 28, 2026
- [7] 'Idaho is not for sale': Why Democrat Ellie Gilbreath thinks it's time for ...(opens in a new tab) May 23, 2026
- [8] Julie For Congress: Front Page(opens in a new tab) Aug 23, 2018