Where Twin Falls candidates stand on schools and education
19 sourced statements in 9 races. Every candidate in each race is listed, including those with nothing on record. Nobody is scored or ranked.
Governor
- Brad Little (Republican, incumbent)
No public statement found in our sources.
- Terri Pickens (Democratic)
Education funding: She says she would fully fund public education, revoke the $50 million private-school voucher program, and direct resources toward schools and infrastructure. (KBOI, 2026 general election survey: Governor)
- Pro-Life (a person, formerly known as Marvin Richardson) (Constitution)
No public statement found in our sources.
- Paul Sand (Libertarian)
No public statement found in our sources.
- John R. Stegner (Independent)
Education funding: He says Idaho should meet its constitutional responsibility to provide quality public education and that he would seek to reverse the school-choice voucher bill and return more than $50 million to public education. (John Stegner for Governor, priorities)
Superintendent of Public Instruction
- Debbie Critchfield (Republican, incumbent)
School choice: She supports parental choice under current law, while saying that any expansion or change should improve transparency and accountability and should not come at the expense of public schools. (CBS2/FOX9)
Teacher support: She supports continuing investment in teacher pay, the career ladder, mentoring, professional development, and classroom-management support. (CBS2/FOX9)
Career pathways: She supports expanding career pathways, career-technical education, dual credit, work-based learning, and partnerships with employers to prepare students for different post-graduation routes. (CBS2/FOX9)
- Teresa Roundy (Constitution)
School choice: She opposes the school-choice tax-credit program, arguing that public education should take priority and that the credit would divert funds from public schools. (CBS2/FOX9)
Teacher support: She proposes a two-hour morning block for core academic subjects, followed by community-based, hands-on learning, and says schools should address workplace conditions and teacher burnout. (CBS2/FOX9)
Career pathways: She proposes student-led practical projects, including micro-enterprises and community problem-solving, as ways to build workforce skills and self-reliance. (CBS2/FOX9)
- Becky Sundin Mitchell (Democratic)
School choice: She opposes continuing the current school-choice tax credits, citing limited transparency and accountability, and says public tax dollars should be publicly accountable. (CBS2/FOX9)
Teacher support: She supports competitive teacher compensation and benefits, improved classroom support, reduced unnecessary administrative burdens, and incentives for educators facing rural housing challenges. (CBS2/FOX9)
Career pathways: She proposes stronger partnerships among schools, colleges, career-technical programs, and employers, including access to career exploration, work-based learning, college credit, and industry credentials for public-school students. (CBS2/FOX9)
State Senate, District 25
- W. Lane Startin (Democratic)
Taxes and education: He identifies education funding and property-tax reform as priorities and says local governments should have a greater role in decisions affecting their communities. (CBS2/FOX9)
- Casey Swensen (Republican)
No public statement found in our sources.
State Representative, District 25, Seat A
- Marla Palmer (Democratic)
Schools and housing: She says Idaho should strengthen public schools, including by providing safe buildings and qualified teachers. She also supports practical steps to increase housing availability and protect single-family homes from large corporate investors. (Marla Palmer campaign website)
- Grayson Stone (Republican)
No public statement found in our sources.
- Cherie Vollmer (Republican)
No public statement found in our sources.
- Liyah Babayan (Independent)
No public statement found in our sources.
County Commissioner, District 1, 4-year term
- Scott Tverdy (Republican)
Safety and schools: He says he is committed to strengthening public safety, supporting and improving local schools, and promoting smart growth that safeguards the county’s agricultural heritage. (Twin Falls County Voter Pamphlet, November 2026)
- Kirk Tubbs (Independent)
No public statement found in our sources.
College of Southern Idaho Trustee, Zone 1
- Chenele Dixon (Nonpartisan)
College programs: Dixon identifies affordable higher education, workforce training, dual-credit opportunities, and programs supporting local communities and the economy as important roles for CSI. (Twin Falls County Official Voter Pamphlet, November 2026)
College of Southern Idaho Trustee, Zone 5
- J.D. Gould (Nonpartisan)
CSI stewardship: He says CSI is important to the Magic Valley’s education and workforce needs and that he wants the college to remain accountable to taxpayers. He says fiscal conservatism and responsible stewardship would guide his service as trustee. (Twin Falls County Voter Pamphlet)
State Senate, District 24
- Mary Jo Durfee (Democratic)
Schools and budget: She supports increased funding for public schools and teacher pay, a balanced budget, and fiscal responsibility. (Twin Falls County Official Voter Pamphlet, November 3, 2026)
- Brent D Reinke (Republican)
District priorities: Asked about district priorities, he named water, land use, transportation, community safety, education, and cost of living. (2026 general election survey: State Senate District 24, Idaho News)
State House, District 24, Seat B
- Chance Requa (Republican)
Schools and safety: He supports safe communities, accessible mental-health resources, and public education that serves all students, including students with special needs. (Twin Falls County Official Voter Pamphlet, November 3, 2026)
- Liyah Babayan (Independent)
No public statement found in our sources.