The Simple Answer: Two Large Districts
Let's start with the basics: Idaho has two congressional districts. A state since 1890, it gained its second seat in the U.S. House of Representatives after the 1910 census and has held steady ever since. What makes Idaho's districts notable is their sheer size and population. Due to significant population growth over the last decade, Idaho almost gained a third seat following the 2020 Census. Because it didn't, its two districts are now among the most populous in the nation, each representing roughly 920,000 people. The 1st Congressional District covers the state's panhandle and western side, including cities like Coeur d'Alene and Meridian. The 2nd Congressional District encompasses the eastern part of the state—including Idaho Falls and Pocatello—and
now, most of the state capital, Boise.
Who Draws the Lines? A Bipartisan Commission
Unlike some states where the legislature controls the politically charged process of redistricting, Idaho uses a six-member independent body called the Citizen Commission for Reapportionment. This commission is designed to be bipartisan. The Republican and Democratic leaders from both the state House and Senate each appoint one member, and the state chairs of the two largest political parties (currently Republican and Democrat) also each get a pick. This creates a commission of three Republicans and three Democrats. For a new map to be adopted, it needs the approval of at least two-thirds of the commission, or four of the six members. The commission is required to hold public hearings and consider plans submitted by citizens, making the process more transparent than in many other states.
How the Map Changed After the 2020 Census
Following the 2020 Census, the commission was tasked with balancing the populations of the two districts. The final map, adopted in November 2021, made relatively minimal but significant changes. To account for faster growth in the western part of the state, the boundary line in Ada County—home to Boise—was shifted west. This moved about 35,000 people from the 1st District into the 2nd District. The most notable result of this change is that nearly all of Boise is now consolidated within the 2nd District. This decision was not without controversy; public testimony showed many residents of the populous Treasure Valley wanted to end the decades-long practice of splitting Ada County between two districts, but the commission ultimately kept the split. The new map achieved a near-perfect population balance between the two districts.
The Political Landscape of the New Districts
While the map changes were geographically subtle, they have clear political implications. Idaho is a solidly Republican state, and both congressional districts remain safely in GOP hands. However, the 2nd District, which contains the urban center of Boise and university towns like Pocatello and Idaho Falls, is considered less staunchly Republican than the 1st District. By moving more of the state's main population center into the 2nd District, the redistricting plan reinforces this dynamic. Both districts have been represented by Republicans for over a decade. The final congressional map was approved by a 4-2 vote, with the two Democratic-appointed commissioners voting against it, signaling that even in a commission-led process, partisan interests remain a factor. Despite some legal challenges, the Idaho Supreme Court upheld the new maps, which have been in effect since the 2022 elections.
