Idaho Governor Voter Guide: Little, Pickens, Stegner, Sand and Pro-Life on School Tax Credits and Prop 1
Five candidates are on the ballot for Idaho governor in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election: Republican Gov. Brad Little, the incumbent; Democrat Terri Pickens; independent John Stegner; Libertarian Paul Sand; and Constitution Party candidate Pro-Life, who legally changed his name from Marvin Richardson, according to the Idaho Capital Sun. The Idaho Capital Sun guide also lists independent Jacob Burnett, a write-in candidate.
The Digital Free Press voter guide video for this race, based on the Idaho Capital Sun's candidate questionnaire, compares the five candidates on the ballot on two issues: the private school tax credit the Legislature passed in 2025, and Proposition 1, the November ballot measure that would create a right to abortion before fetal viability and a right to privacy in medical decisions. Here is where each candidate stands, based on the video, the questionnaire, Idaho Capital Sun reporting and the candidates' own statements and campaign websites.
Brad Little (Republican)
Little, a rancher from Emmett, is seeking another term. On the tax credit, the video notes that Little signed it into law; the Idaho Capital Sun reported that he signed the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit as House Bill 93 in 2025. "Idaho can have it all – strong public schools AND education freedom," Little said when he signed it, according to a statement from his office.
On Prop 1, Little opposes the measure. In a release from the Idaho Republican Party, he said it would allow those under 18 to get an abortion without parental consent and that it "would make abortion far more accessible in Idaho," the Idaho Press reported. The Capital Sun reported that he signed Senate Bill 1385 in 2020, which made performing an abortion a crime in almost every case except to save the life of the mother. Little did not attend an Oct. 6 candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Idaho, according to the Capital Sun.
Terri Pickens (Democrat)
Pickens is an attorney from Pocatello who owns her own law firm, according to the Capital Sun.
On the tax credit, the video says Pickens wants it repealed. "Repeal. This program is set to explode in cost, as it has in other states. Further, it steals from public education, as well as other underfunded essential services," she told the Capital Sun.
On Prop 1, the video says Pickens supports it. "I favor Proposition 1. The Idaho anti-abortion law is cruel in the extreme," she wrote. "Proposition 1 saves lives."
John Stegner (Independent)
Stegner is a retired Idaho Supreme Court justice from Grangeville, according to the Capital Sun.
On the tax credit, the video says Stegner wants it rescinded so the money funds public schools. "I support rescinding the vouchers," he told the Capital Sun, saying the state is "diverting $50 million to competitors of the public school system."
On Prop 1, the video says Stegner would veto any bill that undoes it if voters pass it. "I would veto any legislation undertaken to undo the will of the people," he wrote.
Paul Sand (Libertarian)
Sand is a software engineer and home builder who served 10 years on the White Bird City Council, according to his questionnaire profile.
Sand's campaign website does not list a position on the private school tax credit or on Proposition 1. On abortion, it says: "As a conservative libertarian, I am strongly opposed to abortion, open borders, and legalizing narcotic drugs." It adds that he strongly supports "substantial reductions in state agencies and state taxes."
Pro-Life (Constitution Party)
Pro-Life's campaign website does not list a position on the private school tax credit. It says, "Health, education, welfare, recreation, and retirement are not proper roles of government," and calls for "reduced spending on education, welfare, health, and recreation- leading to the phasing-out of these functions." On Prop 1, the site says, "Vote NO on Proposition 1," and argues that a yes vote "will open the abortion clinics again."
In a July interview with the Capital Sun, he said he considers abortion to be murder and would work with the Legislature to block Prop 1 if it passes. "I would do everything in my power; I would not allow that to be initiated," he said.
Where to Follow the Candidates
Brad Little: @GovernorLittle on X. Terri Pickens: @TerriForIdaho on X and @terriforidaho on TikTok. John Stegner: @stegnerforidaho on X and Instagram.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. This guide is for information only; The Digital Free Press does not endorse any candidate.
Yossi Schmidt, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, The Digital Free Press
Hold Everyone Accountable.
Sources: Idaho Capital Sun, Voter Guide, 2026 general election, Idaho governor: https://idahocapitalsun.com/voter-guides/contests/2026-general-gubernatorial-race/ ; Idaho Capital Sun, "Pickens, Stegner pledge policy changes in Idaho gubernatorial candidate forum" (Oct. 6, 2026): https://idahocapitalsun.com/2026/10/06/pickens-stegner-pledge-policy-changes-in-idaho-gubernatorial-candidate-forum/ ; Idaho Capital Sun, "Idaho governor's race: Pickens, Stegner support abortion rights ballot initiative" (July 18, 2026): https://idahocapitalsun.com/2026/07/18/idaho-governors-race-pickens-stegner-support-abortion-rights-ballot-initiative/ ; Office of the Governor, "Gov. Little signs House Bill 93 creating the Parental Choice Tax Credit program" (Feb. 27, 2025): https://gov.idaho.gov/pressrelease/gov-little-signs-house-bill-93-creating-the-parental-choice-tax-credit-program/ ; Idaho Press, "Idaho voters face choice on abortion law changes this fall" (Oct. 16, 2026): https://www.idahopress.com/news/elections/proposition-1-seeks-to-repeal-idahos-near-total-abortion-ban/article_ecb34050-e589-4ebd-a377-c42818eb0b15.html ; Paul Sand campaign: https://paulsand.org/ ; Pro-Life campaign: https://www.prolife-idaho.com/
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