Idaho State House District 5A

Current seat holder: Ron Mendive (R).

Mirna Pleines

Mirna Pleines (Democratic) is a candidate for the Idaho House of Representatives in District 5A (Kootenai County) in the November 3, 2026 general election. Mirna Pleines qualified with the Idaho Secretary of State (VoteIdaho.gov) to appear on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot for House District 5A.

Campaign site

“I am Mirna Pleines, a healthcare compliance professional, Coeur d'Alene community leader, and proud wife of a 20-year Air Force veteran. I am running for the Idaho House to bring real-world experience and North Idaho values to Boise.” (Mirna Pleines campaign website)
“I came to Coeur d'Alene in 2002 and built my life here. I raised two daughters, put myself through school as a single mother earning $17 an hour, earned a Bachelor's degree from Gonzaga University and a Master of Jurisprudence in Health Law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and built a career in healthcare compliance rooted in service to rural and regional communities.” (Mirna Pleines campaign website)
“I have served as a Risk, Compliance, and Privacy Officer for a Critical Access Hospital in North Idaho, the backbone of rural healthcare. I understand what it means when a rural hospital struggles, because I have seen firsthand what those communities lose when healthcare is out of reach.” (Mirna Pleines campaign website)

Ron Mendive

Ron Mendive (Republican) Official legislative biography notes: Born in Elko, Nevada; graduate of Kellogg High School and North Idaho College; five-term precinct committeeman; principal in corporation that developed first successful self-igniting pellet stove; spouse: Sherlene; three children; six grandchildren.

Campaign site

“I believe that the founders included the pre-born in their definition of the unalienable right to life.” (Ron Mendive campaign website)
“The first ten amendments to the U. S. Constitution (The Bill of Rights) were put in place to protect our Liberty. If America is going to continue to be a great nation, we must continue to honor and utilize those rights.” (Ron Mendive campaign website)
“I believe in personal property rights. The ability to own property is a God given right and the corner stone of our Republic.” (Ron Mendive campaign website)