MOSCOW, ID – Democrat Richard Gayler has announced his candidacy for Idaho State Senate District 6 as a Democrat in the 2026 election.  The seat is currently held by Republican Dan Foreman.

Gayler said he will run in the May 19, 2026, primary election. According to a press release, he previously served for many years as a U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Officer for the District of Idaho, covering Benewah, Latah, Nez Perce, Clearwater, Lewis and Idaho counties.

“This role has given me a unique window into the lives of our neighbors — their struggles, hopes, and dreams,” Gayler said. “I’ve seen firsthand the challenges families face with employment, education, transportation, and access to mental health and substance abuse services. These are not just issues on paper; they are the realities that shape our daily lives.”

Gayler said he is running because he is dissatisfied with what he described as the antics of state legislators, mismanagement of finances and state agency budgets, and disregard for citizens. He described himself as a moderate Democrat.

“The time is now to change the course of our political representatives,” Gayler said. “The time is now to rebalance the legislative power in the state legislature and elsewhere to bring common-sense legislation that helps Idahoans and not special interest groups, the wealthy and self-motivated legislators. I’m here to fight for right and not the wrongs.”

Gayler said his priorities include increasing public school funding and moving Idaho out of last place nationally in per-pupil funding. He said schools, particularly high schools, serve as hubs for communities in District 6.

Gayler said he also supports small businesses and agriculture, and seeks to protect Idaho’s rural heritage and freedoms. He said his campaign will focus on transparency and accessibility.

Gayler is hosting a public campaign kickoff event Feb. 26 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hunga Dunga Brewing in Moscow.