Idaho General Election · November 3, 2026Find polling place
Republican

Josh Wheeler

Incumbent
Josh Wheeler

Idaho House of Representatives, District 35 Seat B

Campaign website:Campaign Website
Phone:(208) 332-1179
Email:JoshWheeler@house.idaho.gov
Facebook:Campaign Facebook Page
Campaign finance:Campaign Finance
City:Ammon

Josh Wheeler: Republican Nominee for Idaho House District 35 Seat B

Rep. Josh Wheeler, a two-term incumbent, ran unopposed in the May 19, 2026 Republican primary for Idaho House District 35 Seat B, receiving 6,315 votes, according to certified Idaho Secretary of State results. He faces Democrat Mary Kaufman in the November 3, 2026 general election.

Background

Wheeler was born and raised in Ammon and attended Hillcrest High School. He holds a construction management degree from BYU and an MBA from Idaho State University, and is a one-third owner of the third-generation family business Wheeler Electric, according to his official Idaho Legislature biography. He previously served on the Ammon City Council. He and his wife, Dr. Laramie Wheeler, have six children. In a 2024 East Idaho News questionnaire, Wheeler described what drew him to public service: "In 2018, our 10-year-old son, Han, suffered a debilitating brain injury from an undiagnosed tumor. After 6 months, we lost him. Through that entire trial, the people of this community rallied around us... After Han was gone, I felt a deep drive to give back to the community. I ran for Ammon City council in 2019... In 2021 as a family we decided I needed to run for State Representative."

Legislative Record

Wheeler is vice chair of the House Business Committee and also serves on Health and Welfare and Local Government, per the Legislature's 2026 roster. He was the House floor sponsor of 2025's SB 1087, which would have required providers to furnish copies of medical records in certain circumstances; the bill passed the Senate but failed in the House 28-42. He voted for HB 418 (2025), a career-technical-education appropriations bill that was signed into law, and against HB 138 (2025), a Medicaid-eligibility bill that passed the House 38-32. In his 2024 East Idaho News questionnaire, he said of his first term: "we made historic tax cuts, including property tax reform... My time on the Ammon City Council taught me the importance of local control... I opposed efforts to destroy our public education system and support opportunities to better compensate and retain our great educators."

Platform

On his Idaho GOP candidate page, Wheeler lists education among his top issues: "Schools are more than just educational facilities, they are the center of our small communities. I do not support policies that dismantle our Idaho public education system. I support increased compensation for educators." Announcing his 2026 reelection campaign on his campaign website, he said: "The people of District 35 deserve a representative who listens, who shows up, and who fights for their interests. That is what I have done, and that is what I will continue to do if re-elected."

Endorsements

Wheeler's campaign website lists an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, who said: "Josh Wheeler has proven himself to be an effective lawmaker and leader who studies the issues and votes with a conservative conscience. He knows firsthand the importance of keeping taxes low and empowering local government." Ammon Mayor Sean Coletti and his wife, Jessi, also endorsed him: "Josh is extremely smart, and thoughtfully and deliberately approaches every decision he has to make on the Ammon City Council."

Electoral History

Wheeler was first elected to the District 35 Seat B House seat in 2022, defeating then-Rep. Chad Christensen in the Republican primary with 52% of the vote and running unopposed in the general. In 2024, he defeated Brett Skidmore in the primary with 62% and won the general with 76% against Democrat Maggie Shaw, according to Idaho Secretary of State canvass records. He ran unopposed again in his 2026 primary.

Sources

Profile published by IdahoVoters.com. Last updated September 28, 2026. This profile will be updated as additional information becomes available.

Frequently asked questions

What office is Josh Wheeler running for?
Idaho House District 35, Seat B, in the November 3, 2026 general election. He is the Republican nominee and the incumbent.
Who is his opponent?
Democrat Mary Kaufman.
Did Wheeler face a primary opponent?
No. He ran unopposed in the May 19, 2026 Republican primary and received 6,315 votes, per certified Idaho Secretary of State results.
How long has Wheeler served in the Idaho House?
He has represented District 35 Seat B since 2022 and is seeking a third term.
What committees does Wheeler serve on?
He is vice chair of the House Business Committee and also sits on Health and Welfare and Local Government.
What is Wheeler's professional background?
He is a one-third owner of Wheeler Electric, his family's third-generation business, and previously served on the Ammon City Council.

Also on the ballot in District 35

Every candidate for the State Senate and both House seats in this district. See the full District 35 page.