W. Lane Startin

W. Lane Startin: Idaho Democratic Candidate for Senate District 25

W. Lane Startin is a Democratic candidate running for Idaho State Senate District 25 in the May 2026 Democratic primary. Startin, 50, is a Twin Falls-area field service technician for a major medical technology company who has run in multiple Idaho races at different levels, including a 2024 campaign for Idaho House District 25A and a 2014 bid in the Democratic primary for Idaho Treasurer. District 25 covers Twin Falls County.

Background

Startin is a graduate of Twin Falls High School and attended the College of Southern Idaho and Idaho State University. His career in medical technology field service — maintaining and repairing medical equipment for healthcare providers — reflects a technical background that bridges the gap between the healthcare access issues affecting rural Idaho and the practical mechanics of keeping medical infrastructure functioning in communities that may have limited service options. He has been involved in civic and political engagement in the Twin Falls area for more than a decade.

Political Career

Startin’s political history includes a 2014 campaign in the Idaho Democratic primary for State Treasurer, where he competed for the Democratic nomination to challenge the Republican incumbent in a statewide office. More recently, he ran for Idaho House District 25A in the 2024 general election, competing for a Magic Valley seat. His 2026 Senate District 25 candidacy represents his most recent effort to bring a Democratic perspective to the Twin Falls area’s legislative representation.

Campaign and Endorsements

Senate District 25 covers Twin Falls County, the commercial and population hub of the Magic Valley region. Twin Falls is southern Idaho’s largest city and a regional center for healthcare, education, agriculture, and food processing. Republican incumbent Josh Kohl, a Gang of Eight member in the Idaho Senate, faces a primary challenge from Casey Swensen, a former public defender and prosecutor. The Republican primary winner will face Startin in November. Startin has received support from the Twin Falls County Democratic Central Committee and individual donors in the Twin Falls area.

Campaign Finance

Campaign finance data filed with the [[Idaho Secretary of State’s Sunshine Finance portal|https://sunshine.sos.idaho.gov/?campaigns[0][value]=834]] shows $$2,576.27 raised in the 2026 election cycle from 13 donors, with $$1,060.61 spent. Top donors include Alexander Sinclair ($1,000.00), Twin Falls County Democratic Central Committee ($300.00), Matthew Erickson ($277.77), W. Lane Startin for Idaho (committee) ($250.00), James Ricks ($150.00).

FAQ

Who is Lane Startin? W. Lane Startin is a Democratic candidate for Idaho Senate District 25, a Twin Falls native and medical technology field service technician who attended Twin Falls High School, the College of Southern Idaho, and Idaho State University. He previously ran for Idaho House District 25A in 2024 and the Idaho Democratic Treasurer primary in 2014.

Who is Lane Startin running against? Startin will face the winner of the May 2026 Republican primary in the November general election. The primary features incumbent Josh Kohl, a Gang of Eight member, against challenger Casey Swensen, a former public defender and prosecutor.

What is Senate District 25? Senate District 25 covers Twin Falls County in southern Idaho, the commercial hub of the Magic Valley region. Twin Falls is a regional center for healthcare, education, agriculture, and food processing.

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