Terri Pickens

Subnational level: Governor
Written By Alison Handel, SFGI Intern

Terri Pickens is a nominee for governor of Idaho in the 2026 election. A fourth-generation Idahoan, born and raised in Pocatello, she earned a B.A. in political science from the University of Southern California in 1994 and a J.D. from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1998. Pickens began her legal career as a public defender in Nez Perce County. She later moved to Boise as a trial attorney and founded Pickens Law, P.A., in 2008, where she has practiced real estate, construction, and commercial litigation. Her campaign has emphasized stronger public schools, support for rural communities, and protection of both public lands and the rights and freedoms of Idahoans. Elections will take place on Tuesday, November 3.

Alison Handel, SFGI Intern

A Los Angeles-native, Alison moved to New York to attend NYU where she studied international development and documentary filmmaking. After graduating, she was awarded a Fulbright grant to research migration patterns during the Brazilian Belle Epoque in Manaus, Brazil. She is currently pursuing a dual Master's of International Affairs/Juris Doctor degree with the Colin Powell School and CUNY Law.

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