← Races
Ada County Coroner
County · Ada ·See your exact ballot on VoteIdaho
Two-way race: turnout matters
Dotti Owens D
Dotti Owens is the only non-Republican on the ballot, so this is a two-way race and turnout is what matters. In 2022 she lost this office by 795 votes out of about 175,500 (R+0.5), the closest county-office race in Ada that year; it is an open seat now, but that result does not guarantee a close race in 2026.
Method rule 3 · How we pick
What this office controls
The Coroner investigates deaths that are suspected homicides, suicides, accidents, overdoses, deaths in jail, or unattended or unexplained deaths, and determines the cause and manner of death. The Ada County office also identifies the dead and flags public health risks. (source)
Candidates
Brett Harding R
Republican
Chief Deputy Coroner of Ada County since 2021, with more than three decades in death investigation; endorsed by retiring Coroner Richard Riffle.
“I am running for Ada County Coroner because this office requires experienced leadership. Working alongside the tremendous staff, utilizing our state-of-the-art facility, and collaborating with law enforcement, medical, and community partners, I am committed to continuing to elevate the professionalism, accountability, and service of the Coroner’s Office for the citizens of Ada County.”
Home page of his campaign website (the page is undated; the date is when it was read). · 2026-09-26 · Brett Harding for Ada County Coroner (campaign website)
Website
Dotti Owens D
Democrat
Ada County Coroner from 2015 until January 2023; she lost re-election in 2022 by 795 votes and is running to win the office back.
“I have personally conducted thousands of medicolegal death investigations, provided court testimony, and completed death certificates with precision and accuracy. Additionally, my focus is on our deceased and those left behind.”
Home page of her campaign website; the date is when the page was last updated. · 2026-06-18 · Dotti Owens for Ada County Coroner (campaign website)
Website
Still being checked (2)
- Harding's quote is from an undated campaign homepage; the date shown is when it was read. Owens's page date comes from her site's own "last modified" data (June 18, 2026).
- Harding's "Chief Deputy Coroner since 2021" and "three decades" come from his own campaign website and Ballotpedia survey (April 12, 2026). Riffle's endorsement is on Harding's endorsements page and in that survey.
Sources (7)