John Stegner, a lifelong Idahoan and former state supreme court justice, has officially declared his candidacy for Governor.
“I swore an oath to uphold the Constitutions of Idaho and the United States. That oath means something to me,” said Stegner. “Too often, our government has become indifferent, and at times outright hostile, to our rights. When Idahoans stand up for their freedom, their dignity, their health care, and their children’s future, they deserve to know their governor will defend them. I’m running to restore that confidence.”
“We cannot afford a government run by special interests and insiders at the expense of everyday Idahoans. The issues are too critical, and our constitutional rights demand leaders with the courage to fight for them.”
Stegner’s campaign will focus on protecting voter-approved laws from government interference, holding the state to its constitutional duty to support a quality public education in every community, no matter how small, and restoring Idaho’s tradition of responsible, balanced budgeting.
John Stegner was born and raised in Grangeville, Idaho. He grew up working in his family’s business, Stegner Grain & Seed Co., serving farmers across the Camas Prairie before earning his law degree from the University of Idaho. He was appointed to the bench by Republican Governor Phil Batt in 1996. There, he grew frustrated with a system that too often failed Idaho families and pioneered drug and mental health courts that offered accountability while helping Idahoans reclaim their dignity and their lives.
His work led to his appointment to the Idaho Supreme Court by Republican Governor Butch Otter in 2018. He became known for forcefully defending constitutional rights, even when it meant standing alone in dissent.
John is happily married to his wife Laurie of 44 years, and they are the proud parents of three grown daughters.
The Stegner campaign quickly exceeded the required 1,000 signatures from registered voters, to qualify for the November ballot where he will appear as an Independent. Backed by nearly 100 volunteers statewide, an enthusiasm that demonstrates an appetite for a viable alternative to the status quo in the November election.