Bella Schiffler

Bella Schiffler: The Independent in the District 26 Seat A Race

Isabella Grace Schiffler is the only Independent candidate filed for Idaho House District 26, Seat A. On the November 3, 2026 general election ballot, she faces Republican incumbent Mike Pohanka and Democrat Anita Janis in a district that covers Blaine, Lincoln, and Jerome counties.

She is 22 years old, and much of what voters know about her comes from her own words: a candidate survey, a Substack newsletter, and a legislative testimony record.

Background

In an August 2026 survey from Idaho News (CBS2/FOX9), published verbatim, Schiffler writes that she grew up in Jerome as "a hard-working farm kid" and now lives in Carey, in what she calls "a beautiful worship barn." She describes herself as "a sold-out Jesus lover, 24/7 worshiper, a mountain girl, and a homesteader."

Her stated experience is self-reported. She says she interned for three years in the Idaho Legislature, has been involved in government for five years, and was "elected Precinct Committeeman in Jerome County." She also says she holds a degree in Political Science/Christian Leadership, without naming the institution.

On her Substack, launched in 2024, Schiffler writes that Idaho Senate candidate Shaila Tate, also running as an Independent in District 26, is her cousin. The two say they have been "on the same political journey for the past 5 years" and have cross-promoted their campaigns, including a joint yard sign.

Legislative testimony

Schiffler has a documented record at the Statehouse from her internship years. In February 2023, she testified before the House State Affairs Committee in support of HCR2, a resolution reaffirming Idaho's Electoral College system, discussing the implications of a national popular vote compact. In March 2023, she testified before the Senate Commerce & Human Resources Committee in opposition to House Bill 24, the Idaho Launch workforce grant program. She was one of eight people who spoke against the bill, which committee minutes record as opposed on grounds that the program was costly, that companies had traditionally paid for apprenticeships themselves, and that the selection process was biased.

Platform

Her survey answers lay out her positions in her own words. On abortion, she writes that "Life is the most sacred, valuable thing" and opposes calling abortion healthcare. She supports stronger immigration enforcement and the removal of people in the country illegally, writing that "every illegal must go." She also proposes abolishing property and income taxes, cutting the state budget, and phasing out federal funds, which she says make up nearly 40 percent of Idaho's budget.

She is critical of both major parties, writing that Idaho has a "RINO" problem and that "both parties are corrupt." On her Substack, she writes that she is "a conservative, BUT most importantly" a "Jesus lover" and "God-fearing leader... who will fight to put God back on the government mountain," and describes her loyalty in religious terms: "I will lay down my life, my fortunes, and my sacred honor to God."

The Substack

Schiffler's Substack has been active since 2024. Its tagline reads: "My subtack is all about God & Government! We The People deserve to know the truth." She describes it as covering "the truth about our government, America's founding history, our God-given rights, the Constitution, and ultimately Jesus."

Recent posts address state politics directly. A September 19, 2026 post opposes Proposition 1 on the November ballot: "On NOV 3, you will be asked if you support murdering babies or not? Vote NO on Proposition 1 if want to protect the life of innocent babies!" A September 14 post, co-written with Shaila Tate, frames the two of them as "the NEXT GENERATION" of Idaho conservatives.

Campaign finance

Schiffler's filings on the Idaho Sunshine portal show a small campaign account. Through her last filed report, she raised $984.03 in contributions, spent $194.43, and had an ending cash balance of $789.60, with no loans and no debt. All contributions came from individuals.

Her top contributors are Desirae Knaup of Burney, California ($250), Mindy Collins of Sunnyvale, Texas ($222), Lisa Armendariz of Kimberly, Idaho ($200), Kally Schiffler of Jerome, Idaho ($137.03), Johnie Ridgway of Jerome ($100), DeeAnn Scott of Jerome ($50), and Sarah Brown of Boise ($25).

Sources

• Bella Schiffler's Substack
• Idaho News (CBS2/FOX9), 2026 general election survey for State Representative District 26A
• Idaho House State Affairs Committee, 2023 meeting minutes archive
• Idaho Senate Commerce & Human Resources Committee, 2023 meeting minutes archive
• Idaho Secretary of State Sunshine portal, campaign finance profile for Isabella Grace Schiffler