Mike Pohanka is a Republican member of the Idaho House of Representatives, representing District 26A . Born in February 1957 in Twin Falls, Idaho, he is a first-generation American, with parents who emigrated from Czechoslovakia and Germany. A native Idahoan, he worked on his family farm as a youth, built a career at Idaho Power for 30 years before retiring, and later served as a professor of economics at the College of Southern Idaho. He is married to Susan for 47 years, with two children and ten grandchildren. Pohanka is a Presbyterian and currently serves as chaplain for the Idaho State Police, Jerome County Sheriff’s Office, and Jerome City Police. He was elected in 2024 after a close 2022 race, assuming office on December 1, 2024, with his term ending December 1, 2026; he is running for re-election in the 2026 primary. Notable achievements include past presidencies of the Jerome and Twin Falls Chambers of Commerce and Rotary Club, plus awards such as the Paul Harris Fellowship, Citizen of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement from the Jerome Chamber. He also served as executive director of Jerome 20/20 Economic Development and has signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge. His priorities include strong families and faith, world-class education, water management, infrastructure, and support for law enforcement.

Education and Political Experience

Education: Graduated from Twin Falls High School; Associate of Arts from College of Southern Idaho; Bachelor of Science in management from Lewis-Clark State College; Master of Arts in management from City University.

Political Experience: First term in the Idaho House . Serves on Transportation & Defense, Judiciary, Rules & Administration, and State Affairs committees.