Who is Mike Pohanka?
Mike Pohanka’s life is a living embodiment of the American Dream. Born in Twin Falls, Idaho, in the heart of the Magic Valley, Mike is a first-generation American whose story begins with his parents’ courageous escape from tyranny and their unwavering belief in the opportunities of a free nation. From picking rocks on the family farm and bagging groceries as a teenager, to building a successful career, raising a family, serving his community for decades, and now representing his neighbors in the Idaho State Legislature, Mike has lived the values of hard work, self-reliance, faith, and giving back.
Roots in Freedom: A Family’s American Journey
Mike’s parents fled the devastation of postwar Germany and the rising grip of communism in Czechoslovakia in the late 1940s. His father hiked out of the country with little more than his birth certificate, his degree from the University of Prague, and a fierce determination for a better life. He met Mike’s mother in Germany, and together they immigrated to the United States, drawn by the promise of freedom and opportunity.
Mike’s father went on to earn an education at Penn State, became a respected plant geneticist, developed new bean varieties that supported Idaho agriculture, taught horticulture at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI), and even helped design the campus landscape. He instilled in his son a simple but powerful lesson: “If you want things in life, you have to work for them and not expect the government to hand you everything.”
These stories of sacrifice, resilience, and gratitude for America shaped Mike profoundly. He grew up understanding that liberty is precious and that the American Dream is earned through effort and character.
Mike’s childhood in Twin Falls was grounded in the rhythms of rural Idaho life. He spent summers picking rocks from the fields on the family farm—an early lesson in the value of honest labor. His first paying job was bagging groceries at Buttrey Foods, where he learned customer service and responsibility.
He graduated from Twin Falls High School and pursued education while working, earning an associate degree from the College of Southern Idaho, a bachelor’s degree in management from Lewis-Clark State College, and a graduate degree in management from City University. These steps reflect the classic American path: local roots, community college, and continued advancement through determination.
Growing Up with a Strong Work Ethic in the Magic Valley
Mike’s professional life showcases steady progress through hard work and initiative. He spent 30 years at Idaho Power, starting as a meter reader and advancing into accounting and marketing roles. He worked with major Idaho companies and organizations, including those in agriculture, food production (like Chobani and Glanbia), and tourism (Sun Valley Company), gaining deep insight into the industries that power the state’s economy.
Later, Mike brought his real-world experience into the classroom as an economics professor at CSI for 23 years (including time as adjunct and assistant professor). He taught the principles of free enterprise, personal responsibility, and sound economic decision-making to generations of students. Many of his former students still credit him with preparing them for success in the workforce.
A Career Built from the Ground Up
At the heart of Mike’s life is his family. He and his wife Susan have been married for more than 45 years. They raised two children in the Magic Valley and are now blessed with 10 grandchildren. The Pohankas enjoy hiking, gardening, hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors together—activities that reflect their deep appreciation for Idaho’s natural beauty and the simple joys of family life. Mike has been a Jerome County resident for over 32 years.
Family at the Center
A Lifetime of Quiet Service to the Community
Mike has never sought the spotlight, but his record of service speaks volumes. He coached Little League baseball, teaching young players discipline, teamwork, and the belief that “the sky’s the limit” with hard work and motivation. He has been active in the Rotary Club, volunteered as a reserve deputy sheriff in Jerome County, and currently serves as a chaplain for the Idaho State Police, offering support and spiritual guidance to the men and women who protect our communities.
His motto captures his philosophy: “Volunteerism is the rent you pay for the space you occupy on this earth.”
Answering the Call to Public Service
Mike’s decision to run for the Idaho House of Representatives in District 26A (representing parts of Jerome, Lincoln, and Blaine counties) grew naturally from a lifetime of blessings and a desire to give back. After a close race in 2022, he won election in 2024 and assumed office in December 2024. He is now serving on key committees, including Transportation and Defense, Judiciary Rules and Administration, and State Affairs, while also having signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge.
In the Legislature, Mike brings the perspective of a true Idahoan who understands families, agriculture, education, water resources, transportation needs, and public safety from personal experience. He is committed to strong faith, strong families, and strong communities; world-class education so every child can succeed; strategic water management that supports agriculture, residents, recreation, and industry; equitable investment in local roads and infrastructure; and unwavering support for law enforcement and first responders.
Mike knows what it takes to achieve real success in Idaho because he has lived it—from the farm fields to the corporate world, the classroom, and now the Capitol. He fights every day to preserve the freedoms, opportunities, and values that made his family’s American Dream possible for the next generation.
As Mike often says: “I have been so richly blessed, I will always work to give back.”
Mike Pohanka continues to live that promise as your representative—honest, experienced, principled, and dedicated to making Idaho even better for the families who call it home.
