"[32] The president-elect of the Idaho School Boards Association resigned from McGeachin's task force a week after its first meeting, writing that the task force seemed aimed at "partisan campaigning. Beck said hes never spoken to Trump about McGeachin the three or four times theyve met, and thought his prior campaign donations to the former president played no role in McGeachin earning Trumps endorsement. Her candidacy was supported by state Senator Dean Mortimer. Janice McGeachin announces run for governor Brian Myrick/Idaho Press May 19, 2021 1 of 12 As featured on Lt. Gov. And thats whats not fair., Lt. Gov. The task force, aimed at rooting out alleged teachings on social justice, critical race theory, socialism, communism, (and) Marxism from public schools, is co-chaired by McGeachin, running for governor in 2022, and Rep. Priscilla Giddings, R-White Bird, who entered the race for lieutenant governor. McGeachin claims the in-house smoked chicken wings are the best in the state. Janice McGeachin", Far-right Idaho lieutenant governor McGeachin announces bid to unseat Little as governor, Lieutenant governor candidates differ on Medicaid, wages, Idaho Republicans push opposition to Medicaid expansion, "Days before filing begins, several candidates declare their intentions", November 6, 2018 General Election Results: Statewide Totals, "Idaho Governor Primary Election Results", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Janice_McGeachin&oldid=1142145521, This page was last edited on 28 February 2023, at 19:27. This election asks one simple question: Is my Idaho your Idaho? McGeachin said, to loud applause and supporters standing up from the camping chairs they brought from home. [6] An ally of the Tea Party movement, McGeachin was considered a possible Republican primary challenger to U.S. Representative Mike Simpson in 2010, but chose not to run. Little Says He Hasn't Spoken To Lt. Gov McGeachin In Weeks, Cases of coronavirus in Idaho spike after businesses reopen, Lt. Gov. "[69], In the May 17, 2022 Republican primary election, McGeachin lost to Little. When they passed gay marriage, they opened Pandoras box. McGeachin announces indoctrination task force members McGeachin has been married to Jim McGeachin for quite some time. Her participation in that event - which also featured . Lt. Gov. [31] The Idaho Statesman editorial board described the effort as "a manufactured witch hunt" driven by the "far-right fringe of Idaho's politics. Michael Nelson said hes a former police officer who worked a 25-year career in the San Francisco area. I know she liked to have a good time, said Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, who served three terms with McGeachin in the House and used to rent a place on the same floor of a building three blocks from the Capitol. Janice McGeachin announces run for Idaho governor, "GOP leaders in Idaho have ties to extremist movement", Idaho healthcare leaders plead for coronavirus mask mandate, Idaho's Anti-Lockdown Lieutenant Governor Has Gone Rogue, "Republican National Convention approaches", "2 more candidates to run for Idaho lieutenant governor", "Janice McGeachin announces Lt. Janice McGeachin (@JaniceMcGeachin) November 8, 2016 McGeachin, 57, was a delegate for Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican National Convention, and vice-chair of Idaho's statewide. But, then again, McGeachin, 59, is a surprise candidate, having emerged from relative anonymity after years away from public office to win the lieutenant governors race four years ago as an underdog. Janice Kyes McGeachin (/mi.n/; born January 18, 1963)[1] is an American far-right[2][3][4] politician and businesswoman who served as the 43rd lieutenant governor of Idaho from 2019 to 2023. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. It is estimated that her net worth is somewhere between $1 million and $3 million. "[6] She accused the Biden administration of seeking to indoctrinate schoolchildren in "Marxist, socialist ideology" and believes that Idaho should promote "state sovereignty" by rejecting federal funds for a variety of programs. McGeachin, through a campaign spokesperson, declined a follow-up request from the Statesman for comment about her churchs positions on same-sex marriage and the LGBTQ community. Shortly after taking office, she posted and hastily deleted a photo to Facebook posing in front of her Capitol office with two men flashing the movements hand gesture. EastIdahoNews.com, LLC. Beck is second only to businessman Frank VanderSloot, who, as owner of Melaleuca Inc., a personal health company also based in Idaho Falls, is ranked on the list of the worlds 400 wealthiest people by Forbes. Idaho governor and lieutenant governor get into Twitter fight over state's executive orders, Idaho's 4 electors cast votes for Trump and Pence, "Motion For Leave (1) To File Brief Of Lieutenant Governor Janice Mcgeachin, Senator Lora Reinbold, Representative David Eastman, Et Al (Elected State Officials) As Amici Curiae In Support Of Plaintiff, And (2) To Do So In An Unbound Format On 8 12-By-11-Inch Paper, And (3) To Do So Without Ten Days' Advance Notice To The Parties", "Texas wants to overturn millions of votes. [18] In the voter pamphlet she wrote, she hoped to help the governor "by increasing our freedoms and liberties, free from the bonds of excessive government regulations. Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin's chief of staff announces resignation Sometimes, a contrarian candidate wins in a closed Republican primary. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Delivering the phone back to McGeachins daughter, he has some advice. She defeated four rivals for the job, receiving 29% of the vote to edge former state GOP chair Steve Yates by fewer than 3,000 votes. Where men are men, and sheep are scared! Jimmy McGeachin belts back, a joke about bestiality. We can never give up. The rotation of bartenders appears to be playing to their VIPs, frequently stopping to check in on the McGeachins and their daughter. Wearing a black Stetson, Brown looked out onto the congregation filled with people of all ages and launched into a 40-minute lesson from the Book of Revelation about where to put ones faith, and how to prepare for judgment. She committed, however, to accepting the results of the states May primary, believing voting irregularities in Idaho where Trump won big were not large scale. However, on Monday, a state budget administrator warned McGeachin state law places limitations on the ability to reduce an elected constitutional officer's salary mid-term . BOISE (Idaho Statesman) Idahos lieutenant governor opened the front door of her campaign headquarters mid-morning on a Wednesday, the lone occupant at the converted office space neighboring a dry cleaning facility and a pest control company. FILE . He founded the congregation, according to its website, after he went on a solo, three-day horseback ride through five Idaho counties to connect with God and receive his guidance. McGeachin now appears to be following the same political formula that led to Trumps rapid rise, Thompson said, including his defeat of President Joe Biden in Idaho in 2020 by nearly 31 percentage points, despite losing the national election. During one of her final pitches to voters, McGeachin closely followed the path laid out before her by right-wing conservatives in the Trump era. [83], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[84] and the general election. Shes not the Janice that people grew up with, Thompson, who is running to rejoin the state House, told the Statesman in an interview. Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Lt. Gov. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. calls that 'shameful', Idaho governor repeals political rival's executive order. I just wish she was better in presenting herself, said Dr. John Lee, a retired veterinarian who lives in Nampa, while attending the winery fundraiser with family. She also has sparked controversy over her repeated interactions with fringe, extremist and racist figures. McGeachin not only listened to her and other parents, Henry said, but also their children. The Republican gubernatorial race also stands to have national implications, given Trumps involvement, as well as the likelihood that its victor will steer the direction of the state for at least the next four years after Novembers general election. Janice McGeachin speaks during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. However, McGeachin declined to say whether she has been vaccinated for COVID-19, or if she has ever contracted the virus, calling both personal questions.. The reverend on the task force lives in the Treasure Valley, has led a parachurch ministry for the last two decades, has a masters degree in curriculum and development and is a credentialed teacher in Idaho and California, Watters said. [29], In 2021, McGeachin convened an "education indoctrination task force" co-chaired by fellow Republican Priscilla Giddings. McGeachin is asking taxpayers to cover $50,000 worth of her legal costs, Boise State Public Radio reported. Suddenly, the bartender is zipping through the aisle asking those seated if they would like a shot. [73], McGeachin and Republican Representative Larry C. Bradford were re-districted to 31A. Two weeks before Idahos primary election, McGeachin stepped onto an outdoor stage on a Wednesday evening in front of a crowd of more than 1,000 people gathered at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian for a rally in her honor. Its pronounced Ma-Gee-in.. After Little backed out of a scheduled debate, McGeachin organized the event for the same night with a slate of fellow far-right candidates. July fundraising reports will trickle in over the next few days, as candidates report their monthly activity. A member of the Republican Party, she was previously a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 until 2012.[5]. Idaho attorney general won't support it", "Supreme Court rejects Republican attack on Biden victory", McGeachin becomes 7th candidate to file preliminary paperwork for run for governor in 2022, "Donald Trump endorses McGeachin for Idaho governor", Lt. Gov. The federal government has become too restrictive in how we teach our kids, manage health care, build our roads and manage our resources." Ask Nampa resident Amy Henry, and shell eagerly explain how McGeachins one-day executive order banning masks was overdue, and a game-changer for Idaho schoolchildren. Those who will speak about McGeachins early days in office describe her as friendly, a social butterfly who would host small parties in a rental condo during the legislative session, and go for drinks after work. It remains the only election McGeachin has lost. The single-story, cinder block building outside of Boise formerly housed a diesel fuel wholesaler. Lt. Gov. We must actively support those with the courage to resist tyranny. Machele Hamilton, the state GOP vice chair and a close friend to McGeachin, said that approach is one of the qualities she admires most about the lieutenant governor. [41][38][50] McGeachin issued the order without consulting Little,[38] and against the wishes of state health officials who had sought a statewide mask mandate,[51] which Idaho has never had. "[47][39], In November 2020, McGeachin submitted a proposal to Governor Little's Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee, seeking to spend $17 million in federal COVID-19 aid funds to purchase and operate two "walk-through disinfectant cubes" at the Idaho state Capitol. Janice McGeachin stands with her husband Jim in front of the Idaho Capitol building prior to taking the podium to announce her run for governor on May 19. Online, the church describes its belief that marriage is the exclusive union between one woman and one man. Without naming McGeachin, Little disavowed her appearance at the conference on social media, saying it was extremely unfortunate anyone in elected office in Idaho must make statements like these., Idaho Lt. Gov. Those arent the types of invites she gets from her old colleagues anymore. The governor and lieutenant governor publicly feuded,[59][60][61][62] and Little rescinded McGeachin's orders while he was still in Texas, saying that McGeachin's order was unauthorized because his "temporary presence in Texas on official business" did not impair his "ability to represent the people of Idaho thus necessitating action by another executive to ensure the continuity of state government. "[33], In August 2021, a state judge fined McGeachin $750 for violating the Idaho Public Records Act by failing to turn over documents requested by the Idaho Press Club. Crowd of 100 at Idaho Capitol came to support McGeachin for governor A cadre of Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group with links to white supremacy, also stalked the grounds. Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin responds to Little | Local Janice McGeachin enters the house chambers at the state Capitol building on Jan. 10, 2022 in Boise, Idaho. Its not all about I am woman, hear me roar, she said. Governor to serve the state of Idaho. McGeachins push to become Idahos lead executive is her second campaign for statewide office after a narrow margin of victory in 2018s Republican primary for lieutenant governor. McGeachin criticized the governor's coronavirus policies while touting the technology, although a National Institutes of Health study published months earlier determined that the use of "walk-through sanitation gates" was ineffective, possibly dangerous, and violates global health standards. Idahos first woman to fill the lieutenant governors office has fostered a national profile for her unconventional and outspoken approach to the job, drawing comparisons to right-wing firebrands such as U.S. Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, and Lauren Boebert, R-Colorado. 'Never back down': How Janice McGeachin rose from anonymity to Trump's As I have traveled across our beautiful state, I have listened to our people, McGeachin said in a speech from the Capitol steps in March. Janice McGeachin at a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. Hes my best friend, my strongest supporter, and my partner in life, she said. "[6][21], In February 2019, McGeachin posted a photo on her Facebook page of her posing in front of her Idaho State Capitol door with two members of the 3 Percenters, an anti-government militia movement group. Janice McGeachin courts Trump, far right in bid for governor | Idaho [86][6], Indoctrination task force and public records violations, COVID-19 pandemic and strained relationship with Governor Brad Little, Last edited on 28 February 2023, at 19:27, 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries, 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries, America First Political Action Conference, misinformation to disparage COVID-19 vaccines, nation's lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates, Texas' attempt to overturn the results of the presidential election, "Republican hopes to ride far-right rage into Idaho's governor's office", "Far-right challengers look to upset the status quo in the Idaho governor's primary", "In Idaho governor's race, a far-right candidate leans into extremism", "Representative Janice K. McGeachin's Biography", 5 things to know about Idaho's 1st female lieutenant governor, McGeachin says business experience will help her in lieutenant governor role, Bonneville County Primary Election, May 23, 2000, Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin and her husband, Jim, stand on the steps of the Idaho State Capitol as she announced her run for Governor in Boise on May 19, 2021. Briefly serving as acting governor, Janice McGeachin issues order In addition, Beck is the state committeeman for the Bonneville County GOP and a board member for the Idaho Freedom Foundation, a powerful right-wing lobbying group. Here's what was inside the McGeachin education task force files We just like to keep our businesses separate from the politics as much as possible, McGeachin said, picking at her fingernails. [66], In May 2021, McGeachin filed as a candidate seeking election as governor of Idaho in 2022, challenging incumbent governor Brad Little in the Republican primary. But in some legislative races, outside political groups might have played a bigger and more far-reaching role. And I have had two healthy pregnancies, said McGeachin, long a vocal advocate against a womans right to obtain an abortion. "[49], In May 2021, after Little left the state to attend a Republican Governors' Association conference in Nashville, Tennessee, making McGeachin acting governor in his absence, she issued an executive order that barred the state and Idaho counties, cities, public school districts, and public universities from adopting mask mandates. poses with protesters in support of standoff prisoner", "McGeachin in statement: 'I wholeheartedly reject bigotry and discrimination', Dangerous Embrace of the Militia Movement, "Marjorie Taylor Greene Speaks At White Nationalist Conference", Idaho Lt. Gov. The bartender uses a backwards-facing spoon to pour each alcohol into the glass in layers and prevent them from mixing, before handing out the drinks to curious recipients. [6][74][75] She opposes minimum wages, believing that government should play no role in determining wages. McGeachin said she was an early adopter of Trump leading the Republican Party. [26], In February 2022, McGeachin appeared as a surprise video guest speaker at the America First Political Action Conference, hosted by prominent white nationalist Nick Fuentes. Excuse me, I really like what youre doing here, he says, to which she thanks him, and chats for a moment. Following a stint in Arizona, the family moved to Idaho Falls when she was a child after her father took a job at the Idaho National Laboratory, the nuclear energy research hub run by the federal government. No matter how much people are trying to tear her down, she just has an ability to ignore it and move on with what she feels is right., Machele Hamilton, left, a House District 12 Republican primary candidate, and Lt. Gov. [6], McGeachin supported Mitt Romney in the 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries[12] and the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries. You know, Mr. (VanderSloot and his wife, Belinda, each donated campaign maximums of $5,000 to Little. Janice McGeachin, take questions during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. The McGeachins are known for frequenting their pub. But a group of retired police officers and. in finance and accounting from the University of Arizona. Janice McGeachin is the lieutenant governor of the State of Idaho. | Sami Edge, Idaho Education News. "[23][24] McGeachin faced public criticism for the photo and quickly deleted it. She lost the primary by just 241 votes to one-term Commissioner Lee Staker, a former state senator who went on to serve 18 years in the post. In one case this spring, a touring musician took to social media to announce a last-minute cancellation of his scheduled concert there when he found out McGeachin was a co-owner. [14][15][16][17], In April 2017, McGeachin filed to run for lieutenant governor of Idaho. But shes a hard worker for what we stand for maintaining our republic. As a result of many of her more controversial decisions, McGeachin has become a third rail of Idaho politics. The judge found that McGeachin acted "in bad faith" and that "It appears to the court that respondent would stop at nothing, no matter how misguided, to shield public records from the public. [42] During the pandemic, McGeachin repeatedly criticized Little for taking steps (such as closing physical businesses) to prevent the spread of the disease. [22] She opposes abortion, same-sex marriage, and gun control. She does not cave with pressure, and stands up for what she believes, Hamilton told the Statesman in a phone interview. Why Idaho's Janice McGeachin Scares the Bejeezus Out of These Cops We need you, youre a fighter, she said, spurring McGeachin to dash on stage to embrace her booster. Janice McGeachin appeared on Tucker Carlson Tonight to discuss the indoctrination within Idaho's schools in which she speaks about the importance of education in Idaho and the "indoctrination of our young people" that she says has made her the target of the media for her anti-CRT stance. Its not enough to just silently nod along, McGeachin told rallygoers. Thats exactly the sentiment behind it just get it done, girl.. Ive already addressed it, and that story just needs to go away, McGeachin told the Statesman, declining to field questions about her appearance at the conference. Governor Janice McGeachin posed with and then posted on Facebook pictures she had taken with two members of The Three Percenters. Professor Scott Yenor is a professor of political philosophy at Boise State University. [58][52], In October 2021, while Little was out of state touring the Southern border, McGeachin, claiming power as acting governor in Little's absence, issued an executive order banning state officials from requiring proof of vaccination from employees and sought to ban employers from requiring vaccinations altogether. The family spends leisure time skiing, camping and playing golf, although McGeachin calls herself more of a hacker out on the fairways. On May 17, the day Marsh Valley signed off on the separation, the Buhl School Districts board voted to hire Moffett to be president of the districts 34-student alternative high school, Wakapa, according to meeting minutes obtained by EdNews. McGeachin announces indoctrination task force members Rev. Fundraising allowed some successful statewide candidates to dominate the airwaves. Ive made my statements about who I am and what I believe in, McGeachin told the Idaho Statesman in a sit-down interview. Shes no longer shown herself to be the very personable, outgoing, kind lawmaker he knew when she was a member of the state House and the two would occasionally collaborate on bills, he said. [14] McGeachin frequently criticized Little's strategy regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. (UPDATED: Oct. 19, reflecting the death of Pete Coulson from COVID-19.). The makeup of Lt. Gov. The two positions run for election separately, rather than as a unified ticket. McGeachin announces governor run | Coeur d'Alene Press She does get national exposure for our state, and, at least in my opinion, it hasnt been to the benefit of the state as a whole.. Janice McGeachin greets Randy and Colleen Crawford, of Caldwell, at a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. [79], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary. Janice McGeachin attends a rally to support semi-truckers and protest against COVID-19 vaccination mandates for employment held in Boise in March. Rogers is outspoken that the 2020 election was stolen, and after making antisemitic statements and calling for the public hanging of political foes in an AFPAC speech was censured by the Arizona Legislature in March. Its a daily process, she said. The pop-up ministry has since grown, and now takes up weekly Sunday residency in the conjoined convention center at the Shilo Inn Hotel, a stones throw from the highway interchange of Interstate 15 and U.S. 20. The residents came together and pulled through, McGeachin said. He recently served as principal of Marsh Valley Middle School in East Idaho, but split from the school after one school year after signing a separation agreement May 13, a week before his membership on the task force was announced, EdNews reported. After an onslaught of negative attention tied to the AFPAC event, including calls for her to resign, McGeachin responded by chastising the media a common target of her contempt, including consistent use of the phrase fake news media popularized by Trump. The soup of the day is beef taco, and the $5 drink special is a melon berry ros sangria. After the company's acceptance of the PPP funds was publicized, McGeachin said that the company accepted the funds to counter what she called harm "by the heavy hand of government in 2020. Janice McGeachin, who's running for governor, has thrown some of her political weight into a child welfare case involving a 10-month-old baby. [36], As lieutenant governor, McGeachin has had a strained relationship with the governor, Brad Little,[14][38][39] despite the fact that Little is a fellow conservative Republican. A month later, she administered an oath to members of the Real Three Percent of Idaho, including Eric Parker, the groups leader, who said she once told him if she were elected, he would have a friend in the governors office. Parker endorsed McGeachin for governor last year. McGeachin has the endorsement, which is something she has really highlighted in her campaign materials. "[34] A civil suit brought against McGeachin by the Idaho Press Club was settled in November 2021, with a court ordered McGeachin to pay the club almost $29,000 in fees and costs. The violence and intimidation tactics came after the family decided last year that their daughter would go without a mask at her school in the Nampa School District during the middle of the pandemic. Janice McGeachin: The Donald Trump of Idaho Idaho Tribune But the media likes to continue to try to destroy my character and my reputation, and, I dont know, it may be in an effort for us to maybe back down. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. When I am struggling, I know where I need to go to get strength, wisdom, encouragement. Shortly after, the McGeachins settle up with a crisp $100 bill, and make their exit. [72] She concluded her term as lieutenant governor on January 2, 2023. Sometimes they refer to us as being extreme for our views, McGeachin said, before reading a quote from the late Republican U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater. Janice Kyes McGeachin ( / mi.n /; born January 18, 1963) [1] is an American far-right [2] [3] [4] politician and businesswoman who served as the 43rd lieutenant governor of Idaho from 2019 to 2023. Among her longtime supporters, McGeachin counts Doyle Beck, a retired construction company CEO and conservative political activist who also is a fierce backer of Trump. Janice McGeachin and her husband, Jim, stand on the steps of the Idaho State Capitol as she announced her run for Governor in Boise on May 19, 2021. Follow Blake on Twitter @jonesblakej. After briefly stepping away from dinner, Janice McGeachin returns, but is stopped by an older patron at the bar, who is enjoying his second beer and identifies himself as Skip. Janice McGeachin spoke virtually at an event organized by White nationalist Nick Fuentes in Florida at the end of February.. McGeachin. In October of 2021, he died of COVID-19. The two married and are celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary this summer, McGeachin said, fiddling with a thick-banded, diamond-encrusted ring around her right middle finger. It was an affirmation to me when I won the lieutenant governors race, McGeachin said, before referencing her status as the first woman in the position, and chance of making history again as governor. The hourlong service mixed prayers, Christian-inspired acoustic country and a weekly poem, all built around Browns sermon.