Paul
Sand
Libertarian Paul Sand, retired software engineer and former White Bird city councilman, runs for Idaho governor in 2026
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- positions
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Background
Paul Sand is the Libertarian Party candidate for governor of Idaho in the November 3, 2026 general election. He lives in White Bird, Idaho, where he operates Sandcastle Antiques, and describes himself as a retired computer software engineer. He is not the incumbent; incumbent Governor Brad Little holds the office. Sand previously sought the governorship in 2022. 15
Sand served on the White Bird City Council from 2007 to 2017, completing three two-year terms and one four-year term. Before entering politics, he worked in computer software and engineering, including developing software tools for Minnesota state government from 1972 to 1977, and later worked for Monaco Enterprises in Spokane from 1997 to 2010, continuing to consult and subcontract through December 31, 2021. 109
Sand's campaign biography states that he studied architecture in college, though it does not name the institution or specify a degree. Secondary reporting has identified the University of Minnesota as the school he attended. He grew up in Golden Valley, Minnesota. 110
Among his stated policy priorities, Sand has called for elevating the role of county governments in Idaho. His campaign website is paulsand.org, and he maintains a presence on X/Twitter and YouTube. 9412
At a glance
- Party
- Libertarian
- Running for
- Governor, Idaho
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- Owner, Sandcastle Antiques (retired software engineer); no current elected office
- Website
- paulsandforidaho.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 6debateSand absent from Boise gubernatorial forum attended by Pickens and Stegner
A Boise gubernatorial candidate forum was held on October 6 with Terri Pickens and John Stegner participating. Coverage identified Sand as a candidate in the race but did not report him as a participant. Gov. Brad Little also did not attend.
Pickens, Stegner pledge policy changes in Idaho gubernatorial candidate forum - Shelbyville Times-Gazette · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 4newsSpokane Public Radio reports Sand raised just $310, least of major candidates
Spokane Public Radio reported that Sand had raised $310 total, all self-contributed, as Idaho Republicans held a large fundraising lead over other candidates in statewide races.
Idaho Republicans hold fundraising lead over Democrats ... · Oct 4, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 1newsKREM profile describes Sand's campaign as entirely self-funded
KREM's October 1 candidate profile noted Sand's campaign is self-funded, consistent with his stated policy of not accepting donations from individuals or businesses.
What to know about the candidates running for Idaho governor · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 16pollPoll shows Sand at 2.8% in Advanced Targeting Research survey
An Advanced Targeting Research poll of 700 registered voters conducted September 13–16 placed Sand at 2.8%, behind Brad Little (37.3%), Terri Pickens (27.2%), and John Stegner (12.8%).
Idaho Governor race 2026 | Smarter.Vote · Oct 8, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Jul 23newsSand's tax policy reported: eliminate state income and sales taxes
The Idaho Press reported that Sand wants to eliminate state income and sales taxes while retaining property taxes for local governments and public services.
idahovoters.com · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - May 19filingSand wins Libertarian primary with 57.16% of the vote
Sand won the Libertarian primary with 523 votes (57.16%), ahead of Melissa-Sue Robinson's 392 votes (42.84%), securing his place as the Libertarian candidate in the November 3 general election.
idahovoters.com · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Mar 16newsSand proposes allowing Idaho counties to form autonomous federations
In a statement published by 9B News, Sand proposed that counties be permitted to form autonomous federations with approval from two-thirds of voters, requiring state legislation to authorize counties to govern themselves and form alliances.
idahovoters.com · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Mar 1newsSand makes sole campaign contribution of $310, all self-funded
Idaho Secretary of State campaign-finance data showed Sand contributed $310 to his own campaign on March 1, with $308.50 in expenditures and $1.50 cash on hand. His campaign website states he is not accepting donations from individuals or businesses.
idahovoters.com · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Feb 23filingPaul Sand files to run for Idaho governor as Libertarian candidate
Sand filed his candidacy on February 23, 2026, eventually appearing on the November 3 general-election ballot as the Libertarian nominee.
idahovoters.com · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Sources 6
- [1] Idaho Governor race 2026 | Smarter.Vote(opens in a new tab) Oct 8, 2026
- [2] Pickens, Stegner pledge policy changes in Idaho gubernatorial candidate forum - Shelbyville Times-Gazette(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [3] Idaho Republicans hold fundraising lead over Democrats ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 4, 2026
- [4] idahovoters.com(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [5] What to know about the candidates running for Idaho governor(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
- [6] Paul Sand(opens in a new tab) Mar 17, 2026