An older man in a dark suit with a patterned tie, standing outdoors with arms crossed, smiling slightly, with a blurred background of trees and a building.
A judge shaking hands with a young woman in a courtroom, with American and state flags in the background.

Meet John Stegner

John Stegner is a lifelong Idahoan whose career has been defined by service, responsibility, and a commitment to doing what's right.

Raised in Grangeville, John learned the value of hard work early. He spent his youth working in grain elevators and around the agricultural communities that helped shape his understanding of responsibility, perseverance, and service to others.

After graduating from Grangeville High School, John attended Whitman College before earning his law degree from the University of Idaho. While working his way through school and building a legal career in Lewiston, he developed a deep appreciation for the people and industries that keep Idaho moving.

John went on to serve 21 years as a District Judge in Moscow before serving five years on the Idaho Supreme Court. During his career, he was a pioneer in the introduction of drug and treatment courts within the state of Idaho—identifying a flaw within the judicial system and knowing we could provide solutions for Idahoans. 

Throughout his judicial career, he earned a reputation for thoughtful decision-making, constitutional integrity, and the willingness to stand by his convictions—even when it meant standing apart from others.

Today, John is running for Governor because he believes Idaho deserves leadership that listens, acts, and remains accountable to the people it serves.

Rooted in Idaho

John and his wife Laurie have spent their lives building a family, serving their community, and investing in Idaho. While John served as a Judge, Laurie spent 35 years teaching in public schools.

Like many Idaho families, they've watched loved ones pursue opportunities beyond Idaho. Those experiences have reinforced John's belief that Idaho should remain a place where the next generation can build a career, raise a family, and create a future close to home.

For John, this campaign is about preserving what makes Idaho special while ensuring future generations have the same opportunities that helped shape his own life.

Man holding a large fish outdoors, wearing a plaid jacket, beige vest, and a baseball cap that reads 'Scafco American Grain Bins.'
A black-and-white photo of a man wearing glasses and a woman with shoulder-length hair standing outdoors, smiling and gazing at each other, with the woman adjusting the man's tie.
A group of fourteen young adults, mostly men, posing on an indoor football field. They are wearing athletic clothing in yellow and some are holding a football. The background shows a large, empty stadium with a high roof and tiered seating.
Man sitting on a chair holding three young girls on his lap, all smiling and laughing indoors.
Family of five posing outdoors in front of a brick wall, with three young girls wearing matching floral dresses and sun hats, and two adults, a man in a tuxedo and a woman in a white blouse holding the youngest girl with a stuffed toy.
An elderly couple stands close together, facing away, overlooking lush green rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky.
Judges dressed in black robes seated in courtroom, some with hands clasped or resting on chins, engaging in legal proceedings.