BLACKFOOT — Most Bingham County Republican incumbents held firm on May 19, winning their primary races by commanding margins.

Incumbent Commissioner Drew Jensen turned back challenger Tim Shurtz by a more than 2-to-1 margin in the Republican primary for Bingham County Commissioner District 1.

Jensen, a farmer and rancher appointed by Gov. Brad Little in October 2024 and elected in November of that year, claimed 4,607 votes, or 71.12 percent, to Shurtz’s 1,871 votes, or 28.88 percent.

Shurtz, a former city council member and firefighter, fell short in his bid to unseat the first-term incumbent.

Bingham County Commissioner District 2Incumbent Commissioner Whitney Manwaring secured another term May 19, defeating challenger Victor Salinas by a wide margin in the Republican primary.

Manwaring, a retired firefighter and lifelong farmer, drew 4,356 votes, or 66.96 percent, to Salinas’ 2,149 votes, or 33.04 percent.

Salinas is a 38-year-old equipment operator who has spent 18 years working for county government.

Bingham County Assessor

Incumbent County Assessor Donavan Harrington turned aside challenger Jonathan Stimens by a comfortable margin on May 19.

Harrington, who was first appointed to fill a vacancy in June 2020 and elected by voters in November 2022, received 4,470 votes, or 69.55 percent, to Stimens’ 1,957 votes, or 30.45 percent.

Bingham County Coroner

In the only other contested Republican primary on the Bingham County ballot, Scott O. Tweedy defeated incumbent James “Jimmy” Roberts for county coroner. Tweedy claimed 4,919 votes, or 73.40 percent, to Roberts’ 1,783 votes, or 26.60 percent.

Snake River School District 52 Supplemental Levy

Snake River School District voters approved a two-year supplemental levy May 19 by a comfortable margin, clearing the simple majority threshold required for passage.

The levy passed with 1,108 votes in favor, or 65.76 percent, to 577 votes against, or 34.24 percent.

Aberdeen School District 58 Supplemental Levy

Aberdeen School District voters approved a two-year supplemental levy May 19 by a commanding margin, well over the simple majority required for passage.

The levy passed with 360 votes in favor, or 71.01 percent, to 147 votes against, or 28.99 percent.