January 21, 2026
New polling from RABA Research shows strong opposition from Idaho voters to Bureau of Land Management Director nominee Steve Pearce and a clear political upside for senators who vote against his confirmation. The poll included 503 interviews among voters in Idaho and was conducted January 16-17, 2026, via an online survey.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- 76% oppose Pearce’s nomination (57% strongly oppose); just 10% support. Notably, 75% of Republicans oppose Pearce’s nomination.
- 77% say Pearce’s oil and gas business ties are an inappropriate conflict.
- 87% are concerned about impacts to grazing, hunting, and fishing access.
- 69% would view Idaho’s U.S. Senators more favorably for voting against Pearce. Importantly, 72% of Republicans would view Senator Crapo and Senator Risch more favorably for opposing Pearce.
Public lands are a consensus issue in Idaho, cutting across party lines. Pearce’s record places him well outside the mainstream, creating broad, bipartisan resistance to his confirmation.
KEY FINDINGS
Public Lands Unite Idaho Voters
Voters overwhelmingly view public lands as central to Idaho’s identity and economy:
- 97% say public lands are important to Idaho (76% very important)
- 82% say public lands help the economy
- 80% support protecting public lands and keeping them public
Pearce’s Nomination is Broadly Rejected
After hearing Pearce’s public lands record:
- 72% disagree with his views on public lands (54% strongly disagree)
- Just 10% support his nomination; 76% oppose
- 77% say his oil and gas business connections is an inappropriate conflict of interest
- 87% are concerned about impacts to hunting, fishing, and grazing access
Voting Against Pearce Carries Clear Political Upside
Opposing Pearce offers senators substantial electoral benefits with minimal downside:
- 69% would view Idaho’s U.S. Senators more favorably for opposing Pearce’s confirmation at BLM Director
In Idaho, opposing Steve Pearce aligns Senators with a broad bipartisan majority and the clear will of voters.