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Former Idaho Justice, Bar Owner Declare Bids for Governor
The race for Idaho governor is getting crowded as more candidates file campaign paperwork.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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A former Idaho Supreme Court justice and the owner of a bar in Eagle, Idaho have both named campaign treasurers, signaling their intention to run for governor of Idaho. The race is already crowded, with 12 candidates having declared campaign treasurers so far, including 7 Republicans, 3 Democrats, 1 Libertarian, and 1 unaffiliated. Current Governor Brad Little has a significant fundraising lead, having raised over $1.2 million for his re-election campaign.
Why it matters
The race for Idaho governor is an important one, as the state's top elected office will shape the political and policy direction of the state. With a growing number of candidates from various parties, the race is shaping up to be competitive, and the outcome could have significant implications for Idaho residents.
The details
Former Idaho Supreme Court Justice John Robert Stegner and Mark David Fitzpatrick, owner of the Old State Saloon in Eagle, have both named campaign treasurers in the race for Idaho governor. Stegner, who is unaffiliated, retired from the state's highest court in 2023 citing low pay. Fitzpatrick, a Republican, hosted a controversial 'Hetero Awesome Festival' in June 2026 and has offered a bounty for information on the Boise mayor. Both men have taken steps to enter the crowded gubernatorial race, which now includes 12 candidates from various parties.
- On January 29, 2026, John Robert Stegner declared a campaign treasurer.
- On February 5, 2026, Mark David Fitzpatrick declared a campaign treasurer.
- The filing period for the Idaho gubernatorial race is February 23-27, 2026.
The players
John Robert Stegner
A former Idaho Supreme Court justice who retired in 2023 and is now running for governor as an unaffiliated candidate.
Mark David Fitzpatrick
The owner of the Old State Saloon in Eagle, Idaho, and a Republican candidate for governor.
Brad Little
The current governor of Idaho, who has a significant fundraising lead for his re-election campaign.
What they’re saying
“The job requires extraordinary hours to do it well. In sum, the state is asking judges to do too much for too little.”
— John Robert Stegner, Former Idaho Supreme Court Justice (Lewiston Tribune)
“It is TIME for righteousness and truth to take back this NATION! After tomorrow… massive amounts of money will be thrown at defaming me. I wonder why?”
— Mark David Fitzpatrick, Owner, Old State Saloon (X)
What’s next
Fitzpatrick plans to make an announcement of some sort at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 6th, at the Old State Saloon.
The takeaway
The race for Idaho governor is heating up, with a growing number of candidates from various political parties vying for the state's top elected office. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the direction of Idaho politics and policies.
