Kevin Cook

Kevin Cook: Idaho Republican Incumbent for Senate District 32

Kevin Cook is a Republican member of the Idaho State Senate representing District 32, which covers parts of Bonneville County in eastern Idaho, including Idaho Falls. Cook is seeking re-election in the May 19, 2026, Republican primary. He is currently serving his third term, having first been elected to the Idaho Senate in November 2020.

Background

Cook was born in Spanish Fork, Utah. He earned a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Weber State University in 1989, per his Ballotpedia profile. His career has included positions as a software engineer at Idaho National Laboratory and Battelle Energy Alliance, as well as American Semiconductor, Inc. He owned and operated a software consulting business for approximately 12 years before returning to engineering. His official Idaho Legislature biography notes he has lived in Bonneville County for more than two decades on a small farm and is a member of the NRA and the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce. Cook and his wife Cheri have four children and four grandchildren.

Political Career

Cook first won election to the Idaho State Senate in November 2020, representing what was then District 30, defeating Adam Frugoli in the Republican primary, per Ballotpedia. Following redistricting, he was re-elected in District 32 in 2022 and again in 2024. In both the 2022 and 2024 Republican primaries, he defeated the same challenger, Keith Newberry. In the 2024 primary, he received 69 percent of the vote.

Cook’s current committee assignments include Senate Education as Vice Chair, the Finance Committee (JFAC), and Resources and Environment. He also co-chairs the Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee, the Change in Employee Compensation Committee, and the Artificial Intelligence Working Group, and serves on the Medicaid Review Panel, per the Gem State Chronicle’s legislative directory.

During the 2025 legislative session, Cook was involved in multiple education bills. As Vice Chair of Senate Education, he voted in favor of SB 1025, a school choice grant proposal that included $30 million in additional special education funding. He voted against House Bill 93, the $50 million parental choice tax credit. Cook stated on the Senate floor: “You cannot verify the money. It is not transparent. It is not accountable.” HB 93 passed 20-15 and was signed by Governor Brad Little.

Cook also introduced legislation in the 2025 session to create a parent technology awareness program addressing online safety threats, per the Idaho Education Association. Ahead of the 2026 session, Cook drafted a bill to create a framework for educating Idahoans about the future of artificial intelligence, connecting that effort to nuclear energy development at Idaho National Laboratory. He stated: “You can’t do nuclear and compete in the world if you don’t have AI, and you can’t do AI without power and energy, so you need the nuclear to feed it.”

Policy Positions

On education, Cook has focused on workforce preparation and the alignment of student training with Idaho employer needs. His votes during the 2025 session reflect a position that favors accountability measures in any public funding of private schooling, and he opposed the parental choice tax credit specifically on transparency grounds.

On fiscal policy, Cook has described his approach as limiting government growth and passing new laws only when necessary. As a JFAC member, he has described his role as working to hold the line on spending, protect taxpayers, and ensure every dollar is accountable.

On agriculture, his campaign materials state he supports expanding international markets for Idaho farm products and that responsible management of surface water and aquifer resources is a priority. On social issues, Cook states he believes life begins at conception and describes himself as a gun owner who will defend the Second Amendment.

Political Alignment

Cook is a Traditional Conservative Republican. His IFF Freedom Index scores of 56.0 percent in 2025 and 36.3 percent in 2024, as compiled by the Gem State Chronicle, reflect consistent voting against IFF-preferred positions and place him in the governing wing of the Idaho Senate rather than its activist flank. His IACI score of 92 in 2024 is consistent with that classification. He has not signed the Citizens Alliance of Idaho pledge. His opposition to HB 93 on transparency and accountability grounds, his JFAC service, and his IACI endorsement in the 2024 Republican primary further reflect alignment with organized business and agricultural constituencies.

Campaign and Endorsements

Cook’s campaign materials identify the Idaho Farm Bureau as a supporter. The Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry endorsed Cook in the 2024 Republican primary. Ballotpedia had not identified formal endorsements for his 2026 race as of April 2026. Campaign finance records are available through the Idaho Secretary of State’s Sunshine database.

FAQ

Who is Kevin Cook, Idaho? Kevin Cook is a Republican Idaho State Senator serving District 32 in eastern Idaho, covering parts of Bonneville County including Idaho Falls. He is a software engineer and former small business owner serving his third Senate term.

What district does Kevin Cook represent? Cook represents Senate District 32, covering parts of Bonneville County in eastern Idaho.

Is Kevin Cook an incumbent? Yes. Cook is an incumbent seeking re-election in the May 19, 2026, Republican primary. He was first elected to the Idaho Senate in 2020.

What committees does Kevin Cook serve on? Cook serves on Senate Education as Vice Chair, the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, and Resources and Environment. He co-chairs the Artificial Intelligence Working Group and the Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee, per his legislative directory listing.

What has Kevin Cook sponsored or accomplished in the Idaho Legislature? Cook co-chairs the Idaho Senate’s Artificial Intelligence Working Group and has worked on legislation addressing online safety education and AI workforce readiness. He voted against HB 93, the parental choice tax credit, citing transparency and accountability concerns. As a JFAC member, he has focused on budget discipline and taxpayer accountability.

2020 Primary Election Results (District 30) Cook defeated Frugoli

2020 General Election Results Cook won

2022 Primary Election Results Cook defeated Newberry

2022 General Election Results Cook won

2024 Primary Election Results Cook 69% / Newberry 31%

2024 General Election Results Cook won / Unopposed by major party challenger

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