Sandpoint, Idaho— Local custom home builder, Scott Herndon, is seeking the Republican Party Nomination for State Senate, District 1, in the May 19, 2026, Republican primary election.
A former member of the Idaho Senate, Scott is running on a firm belief that in the face of an insurmountable national debt, unaffordable housing and massive inflation on food, gas and the cost of living, now is the time to permanently ELIMINATE ALL PROPERTY TAXES and control Idaho’s state spending without raising any other taxes.
“Our Founding Fathers had a vision for this country – free, sovereign states that govern themselves with minimal Federal intrusion, a sound monetary policy and no national debt,” said Herndon.
“Low government regulation, low taxation, and free market capitalism is the best recipe for liberty and prosperity for every Idahoan.”
He continued, “Even with President Trump back in office, the US Congress is failing to control the rising national debt and the ravages of inflation. Since I came to North Idaho 22 years ago, Bonner and Boundary counties have become horrifically unaffordable. Skilled workers on regular wages or retirees on fixed incomes find it almost impossible to afford rising housing costs, food and gas.”
“WE HAVE AN AFFORDABILITY CRISIS.Now is the perfect time to return to the roots of America – reduce government regulation, control government spending and return to the principles of free market capitalism and low taxation.”
Herndon adds, “Eliminate property taxation altogether so that North Idahoans will be assured that they can own their own homes, free and clear, without the high property tax bills and the threat that one day the government could take their property for failing to pay the rising taxes.”
“When I was in the Senate, I helped pass significant property tax reductions, savings that homeowners continue to see on their property tax bills. I also voted in favor of income tax cuts. The Idaho Senate needs more small-government, conservative representation to lead the way in permanently eliminating property taxes and advancing individual liberty. Help is on the way”, said Herndon.
Scott Herndon served in the Idaho Senate in 2023 and 2024. Herndon sponsored policies that advanced protections of the 2nd amendment, protected health freedom, strengthened the performance of public schools, protected parental rights and sought to maintain our access to public lands and waters in the face of closures by developers and closures by federal land managers.
“I was very effective in the Idaho senate, and many of my proposals were signed into law by the governor and enjoyed either bipartisan support or unanimous support from Idaho’s Senate Republicans.”
“My current plan to eliminate property taxes includes the full, responsible funding of public education through state revenues as the Idaho constitution requires. This practical solution will eliminate the arguments between neighbors when the local school district currently brings a new property tax levy to local voters.”
“We all deserve to sleep peacefully at night knowing that there won’t be a big, new, property tax bill that is beyond our ability to pay.”
About Scott Herndon
Scott is the owner of Scott Herndon Homes, a local homebuilding business. He has lived in Sagle for 22 years and has been married to his wife, Arlene, for 28 years. Seven of their children continue to call Bonner County home. His son, Jon, works in the family’s custom home building business, while several of his daughters work at local restaurants and perform their music as The Herndon Girls at the farmers market, local assisted living facilities and with the Bonners Ferry Community Orchestra. Scott’s brother and sister-in-law own the local raw milk dairy, Pleasant Meadow Creamery. In his spare time, Scott enjoys the beautiful outdoors of the Gem State and building a new workshop on his property.
About Staff Writer
The Gem State Chronicle brings you news and analysis that empowers you to make positive change in Idaho. Established 2022.
