John
R. Stegner
Retired Idaho Supreme Court Justice John R. Stegner runs as an Independent for Idaho Governor in 2026
- sources
- 12
- positions
- 9
- endorsements
- 1
Background
John R. Stegner is an Independent candidate for governor of Idaho in the November 3, 2026 general election, running against incumbent Republican Brad Little. He was raised in Grangeville, Idaho, and earned a degree from Whitman College in 1977 and a law degree from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1982. 211
After law school, Stegner clerked for U.S. District Judge Harold L. Ryan for two years, then practiced civil litigation at Lewiston firm Clements, Brown & McNichols for more than 12 years. He was appointed district judge in Latah County in 1997 and served in that role until 2018, when he joined the Idaho Supreme Court as a justice. He retired from the court on October 31, 2023. 1114
Since retiring from the bench, Stegner has worked as a mediator, arbitrator, and special master with Signature Resolution. He formally launched his gubernatorial campaign on July 7, 2026, criticizing the policies of Governor Little and the state legislature. 1418
At a glance
- Party
- Independent
- Running for
- Governor, Idaho
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- Mediator, Arbitrator and Special Master, Signature Resolution (retired Idaho Supreme Court Justice)
- Website
- stegnerforidaho.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 6debateStegner and Pickens appear at League of Women Voters forum in Boise; Little does not attend
At a 90-minute League of Women Voters forum, Stegner pledged to seek litigation to end the Parental Choice Tax Credit, opposed local ICE agreements unless the agency was 'reined in,' opposed the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, supported Proposition 1 on reproductive freedom, and opposed HJR 4 and HJR 6. Incumbent Brad Little did not attend.
Pickens, Stegner talk issues ranging from ICE to nuclear campus · Oct 7, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 5endorsementOpinion piece published urging voters to consider John Stegner for governor
The Idaho State Journal published an opinion piece encouraging voters to consider voting for John Stegner for governor of Idaho.
Opinion: Consider voting John Stegner for governor · Oct 5, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 4newsFundraising snapshot: Stegner raised $516,520 through September 30, trailing Little but ahead of Pickens
Per Idaho Secretary of State campaign-finance records reported by Spokane Public Radio, Stegner raised $516,520 total ($492,941 from individuals, $22,895 from companies; $353,765 from Idaho, $161,070 out of state). He trailed Little (~$2.31M) but led Pickens (~$217,520).
Idaho Republicans hold fundraising lead over Democrats in every statewide general election race · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 2controversyPickens accuses Stegner of underhanded tactic over alleged donor conversation
Pickens told the Lewiston Tribune that Stegner approached her ex-husband in June seeking a donation and told him she was leaving the race. Stegner denied telling him that or asking him to persuade Pickens to withdraw, saying he had only asked his friend for a contribution, which was not made. The account remains disputed.
Pickens accuses Stegner of underhanded tactic · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 28newsLeague of Women Voters of Idaho announces upcoming candidate forums including governor's race
The League of Women Voters of Idaho announced upcoming voter forums for statewide offices including governor. Stegner and Pickens were among the candidates expected to participate.
League of Women Voters of Idaho announces candidate ... · Sep 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 24newsStegner says at town hall he is not counting on getting a chance to debate
At a town hall, Stegner told attendees he was not counting on getting a chance to debate, reflecting broader concerns about incumbents avoiding debates. Reported by Idaho Education News on September 24.
Voters learn things at debates. Maybe that's why many incumbents ... · Sep 24, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 16pollIndependent poll puts Stegner at 12.8%, trailing Little at 37.3% and Pickens at 27.2%
An Advanced Targeting Research poll of 700 registered voters (±3.7 pts) showed Brad Little at 37.3%, Terri Pickens at 27.2%, and John Stegner at 12.8%. Results were carried by Smarter.Vote and Political Betting poll listings.
Idaho Governor race 2026 | Smarter.Vote · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Aug 6newsStegner campaign releases Change Research poll results publicly
The Stegner campaign publicly released the results of its July 28–30 Change Research poll on August 6, showing Stegner at 11% in a three-way race and leading Little 51%–35% in a head-to-head after candidate bios were shared.
idahovoters.com · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jul 28pollStegner campaign-commissioned Change Research poll shows him at 11% in three-way race
Change Research surveyed 1,213 likely voters July 28–30 in a poll commissioned by the Stegner campaign. In a three-candidate ballot test, Little received 48%, Pickens 27%, and Stegner 11%. In a separate head-to-head after biographies were read, Stegner led Little 51%–35%.
idahovoters.com · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- Karen Jennings of Moscow otherJennings authored an opinion piece in the Idaho State Journal urging readers to vote for John Stegner for governor. This is an individual opinion piece, not a formal endorsement by the newspaper's editorial board. idahostatejournal.com · Oct 5, 2026
Sources 12
- [1] Idaho Governor race 2026 | Smarter.Vote(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [2] Idaho governor candidates weigh in on immigration, Prop 1 and more(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [3] Pickens, Stegner talk issues ranging from ICE to nuclear campus(opens in a new tab) Oct 7, 2026
- [4] Opinion: Consider voting John Stegner for governor(opens in a new tab) Oct 5, 2026
- [5] Idaho Republicans hold fundraising lead over Democrats in every statewide general election race(opens in a new tab) Oct 4, 2026
- [6] Priorities | Join the Movement – Make a Change — John ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 4, 2026
- [7] idahovoters.com(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [8] Pickens accuses Stegner of underhanded tactic(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [9] League of Women Voters of Idaho announces candidate ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 28, 2026
- [10] Voters learn things at debates. Maybe that's why many incumbents ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 24, 2026
- [11] 2026 general election survey: Governor(opens in a new tab) Aug 24, 2026
- [12] 1 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF IDAHO ... - Idaho.gov(opens in a new tab) Aug 23, 2026