Idaho Rep. Lori McCann announced Saturday, Jan. 24, that she is running for the Idaho Senate seat in District 6, which includes Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce counties.
McCann, a Republican who has served five years in the Idaho House of Representatives, will run against the incumbent Sen. Dan Foreman. Her campaign is centered on education funding, water infrastructure and economic stability in Northern Idaho.
McCann’s candidacy is built around a long-standing commitment to education from kindergarteners to college students. Being a University of Idaho graduate, she pointed to her voting record supporting the university’s budget and advocating raises for UI faculty and staff during her time in the House. She also serves on the UI’s Strategic Initiative Committee and the advisory board for the university’s Extension programs.
“I am a Vandal through and through,” McCann said in an email interview with The Argonaut.
McCann added that continued support for the university and its students would remain a priority in the Senate.
McCann has also long voiced strong support for Idaho’s LAUNCH program, which provides financial assistance to high school graduates pursuing post-secondary education or training, having previously served as vice chair of the House Education Committee. McCann also emphasized that school districts receive only a small share of state and federal funding to cover special education services. She argued that the funding gap places strain on school districts and threatens the level students receive.
She stated that higher education and education as a whole, has taken its share of hits over the last few years, citing Nelson Mandela’s assertion that education is “the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” McCann also referenced the Idaho Constitution, which states that the stability of a republican form of government depends on the intelligence of the people.
“Some Idaho legislators believe higher education should be defunded,” McCann said. “I do not.”
In 2025, UI received a 3% cut, or $3.4 million reduction, of state funding as part of Idaho’s budget cuts to avoid ending Fiscal Year 2026 in a budget deficit.
Water infrastructure is another major issue in McCann’s campaign, stating that she plans to pursue approximately $30 million in available funding for water projects, including efforts to preserve the Palouse Basin Aquifer, the region’s primary drinking water source. The aquifer has been the subject of long-term concerns about declining water levels due to increased demand.
In addition to aquifer support and education, McCann identified property tax relief, preserving family farms and promoting economic development as key priorities for District 6.
“The time is now to stand up and let your voices be heard,” McCann said.
McCann said that community members can engage directly with her campaign through her website where supporters can volunteer, donate, knock on doors, send letters, assist with mailers and share ideas.
McCann also mentioned that she has spoken to multiple groups on the UI campus and invited students and organizations to contact her if they would like to discuss the legislative process, public policy, or student concerns.
“I am here to help, here to educate, and to promote our University of Idaho,” she said.
Sam Welch can be reached at [email protected].