State Representative Seat A District 26 in Idaho State House District 26, Idaho

2026 Primary Election

• Anita Janis — Teacher in Jerome, ID

  Anita Janis is a Jerome resident running as a Democratic Party candidate for Idaho House of Representatives District 26A in the 2026 election. She is campaigning on a platform that emphasizes her dedicated career to opening doors for families, which suggests a focus on community and family-oriented policies. Her background appears to be in education, as she has been celebrated during Teacher Appreciation Week for her work. Janis is on the ballot for the Democratic primary scheduled for May 19, 2026.

• Bella Schiffler — Candidate for Idaho House of Representatives District 26A in Jerome, ID

  Bella Schiffler, also known as Isabella Schiffler, is running as an Independent candidate for the Idaho House of Representatives, representing District 26A. She is on the ballot for the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. Schiffler is not an incumbent for this seat, and the race has no incumbents. She resides in Jerome, Idaho, and had an uncontested primary election.

• Jeff Emerick — Candidate for State Representative Seat A District 26 in Ketchum, ID

  Jeff Emerick, age 39, is a Republican candidate running for Idaho House of Representatives District 26A in the 2026 primary election. Residing in Ketchum, Idaho, he is challenging incumbent Mike Pohanka in the Republican primary. Emerick's educational background includes Political Science, History, and Outdoor Recreation Leadership from the College of Southern Idaho, and he also attended the Blaine County Fire Academy. His previous public experience includes serving as President Elect of Hailey Rotary, President/Executive Director of NAMI Wood River Valley, a Board Member for The Hunger Coalition, and an Elections Official. Specific policy positions are not detailed in the provided information, as he has not completed candidate surveys.

• Mike Pohanka — Incumbent Idaho House of Representatives, District 26A in Jerome, ID

  Mike Pohanka is a Republican incumbent for Idaho House District 26A, first elected in 2022 and seeking re-election. Born and raised in Twin Falls, he is a first-generation American whose parents fled communism, instilling in him values of hard work and self-reliance. He holds multiple degrees, including from the College of Southern Idaho, and spent 30 years at Idaho Power before teaching economics at CSI for 23 years. Mike, married for over 45 years with two children and ten grandchildren, advocates for water rights, agricultural policy, and limiting government regulation. He champions strong law enforcement, parental control in education, and fair funding for local infrastructure in Jerome, Lincoln, and Blaine counties, emphasizing collaborative problem-solving.