The Idaho Democratic Party has named Elle Casner as its new executive director; she’s served as the party’s chief financial officer since 2015. “Elle’s experience in the fundraising and political sector will serve the organization well as we lay the groundwork and strategy to expand our programming in 2018,” said state party Chairman Bert Marley. “We look forward to having her leadership and knowledge of the Idaho political landscape to take our mission to the next level. We have a tailwind and we must take advantage of it.”

Casner is a Boise native and a third-generation Idahoan who is of Basque heritage; she holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Boise State University.

“I’m excited to lead the Idaho Democratic Party into the 2018 midterms,” Casner said in a statement. “This is one of the toughest states for Democrats, but we’ve responded to adversity by growing, getting stronger, and gaining momentum.”

Republicans currently hold all of Idaho’s statewide elective offices, all four seats in the state’s congressional delegation, and 84 percent of the seats in the state Legislature.