[40][46] At the rally, McGeachin criticized Little and other state officials. During her time at Skyline High, McGeachin was a member of the schools choreographed drill team, involved in student council and also voted homecoming royalty. Defend & Protect Idaho said the effort is a response to what they call rising instances of dangerous extremism and militia mentality around the state, and McGeachins ties to them. She also inquired with the Idaho National Guard about ordering troops to the U.S.-Mexico border that Little was visiting. Janice McGeachin greets Randy and Colleen Crawford, of Caldwell, at a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. 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. 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. (We) broke the glass ceiling, and were going to break another glass ceiling., Lt. Gov. 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. He spoke about the forgotten man in this country and how the government in Washington, D.C., was too beholden to the corporations and the special interests and that we needed to return the government back to the people, McGeachin said. Online, the church describes its belief that marriage is the exclusive union between one woman and one man. Under her vision for the state, McGeachin said, businesses and churches will never be forcibly closed, as happened during the stay-at-home order out of concern for public health. Elaine King previously ran for the Idaho House of Representatives in District 34, which covers the Rexburg area, in 2018, but lost in the Republican primary. [70] Little won re-nomination with 52.81% of the vote, with McGeachin receiving 32.24% of the vote, Edward R. Humphreys receiving 10.96% of the vote, and an assortment of minor candidates receiving the rest. Colleagues recognized her as a member of the more conservative wing of the Republican Party, sponsoring anti-abortion bills and stridently opposing the Affordable Care Act, passed under Democratic President Barack Obama. McGeachins tenure in the Legislature included serving as chair of the House Health and Welfare Committee. [38] On his return to Idaho one day later, Little rescinded McGeachin's order and said that her decision "to act solitarily on a highly politicized, polarizing issue without conferring with local jurisdictions, legislators, and the sitting Governor" was "simply put, an abuse of power. Sonya Harris is a politically active Blackfoot school board trustee. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. [43] In August 2020, McGeachin headlined a rally organized by the right-wing, conspiracist John Birch Society at the rally in Twin Falls, where speakers decried public health measures to combat the coronavirus. Janice McGeachin walks down the front steps of the Idaho State Capitol building, with her husband Jim, prior to taking the podium to announce her run for Governor,. McGeachin said she was an early adopter of Trump leading the Republican Party. His pick for governor in Nebraska, alleged sexual abuser Charles Herbster, failed to make it through the primary last week. It makes us feel happy that they want to continue to be part of our companies and continue to stay in our community.. She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. 2015 - 2023
Delivering the phone back to McGeachins daughter, he has some advice. [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. He's a lifelong Idahoan, and holds degrees in Creative Writing and Political Economy from the College of Idaho. [55] A surge in COVID-19 cases first strained, and then surpassed, the capacity of the state's health care system. [83], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[84] and the general election. About halfway through, he reminded attendees about various forms of sin in the eyes of God. Isaac Moffett founded the now-defunct Nampa Classical Academy and drew headlines in 2009 when his school sued the state in hopes of using the Bible and other religious texts in his charter schools curriculum. That was as true as ever, she said, almost 46 years ago when she was in junior high and the Teton Dam failed, flooding southeastern Idaho. [22] She opposes abortion, same-sex marriage, and gun control. [15][19] McGeachin narrowly won the Republican primary election on May 15, 2018, with 28.9% of the vote, then defeated Democratic nominee Kristin Collum in the November general election. Theres no future for them, and I mean that wholeheartedly., Lt. Gov. She owns an Irish pub in Idaho Falls and co-owns a wholesale automotive parts supply store and a torque converter remanufacturing facility with her husband. 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. A spokesperson for Little said staff has no record or recollection of Henry contacting the governors office. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press.
McGeachin claims foul play on Little for leaving the state 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. A political philosophy professor and a former Idaho State Board of Education president also sit on the 14-member assembly.
McGeachin announces governor run | Coeur d'Alene Press "[69], In the May 17, 2022 Republican primary election, McGeachin lost to Little. [6], McGeachin supported Mitt Romney in the 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries[12] and the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries.
Idaho's Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin Has Gone Rogue Over Coronavirus Janice McGeachin Loses to Brad Little Despite Trump Endorsement Janice McGeachin attends a rally to support semi-truckers and protest against COVID-19 vaccination mandates for employment held in Boise in March. [41], In May 2020, Little said he had not spoken to McGeachin in weeks. 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. Because sin is progressive, right? Brown told the congregation. ), Beck and his wife, Lynn, each contributed campaign maximums to McGeachin for the primary, according to Idaho secretary of state records, as well as tens of thousands of dollars more to several far-right candidates, political action committees and the Republican National Committee. Its just the impact that it has on my family is not easy all the time, because they have to deal with the fallout, and our employees have to deal with that. 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. She went on to defeat Democratic candidate Kristin Collum in the general election with nearly 60% of votes. 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. 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. Karen McGee is a former Idaho State Board of Education executive director and president. [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.
Who is Janice McGeachin? Age, Husband, Net Worth. Fundraising allowed some successful statewide candidates to dominate the airwaves. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. It is time to make Idaho free again, she said. | Sami Edge, Idaho Education News. We will expand our Second Amendment liberties and secure our state. Occupying a largely ceremonial role, the lieutenant governor acts as president of the Senate. A member of the Republican Party, she was previously a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 until 2012.[5]. Her campaign events typically begin with prayer, and she routinely mentions her unwavering belief in God and his plan for the state, and nation, out on the stump. The two got more serious when she moved back to their hometown. [71] Of Idaho's 44 counties, McGeachin carried just four, all in the Idaho Panhandle. McGeachin was born Janice Kyes on January 18, 1963, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. When I am struggling, I know where I need to go to get strength, wisdom, encouragement. McGeachin remembers the city back then as a great place to grow up a small and supportive community. [29], In 2021, McGeachin convened an "education indoctrination task force" co-chaired by fellow Republican Priscilla Giddings. She is from NM. 3-2-1, he says, tapping the phones touch-screen shutter. 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. Lt. Gov. She was inspired to enter the race to help address the communitys rapid growth, and what she felt was a lack of planning to go with it, McGeachin recalled. Janice McGeachin's association with extreme, anti-law enforcement factions has prompted them to oppose her run for governor. 2023 Idaho Ed News. I believe shes the best person for the job, and the fact that she is a woman is a bonus.. [1], McGeachin has had a number of business ventures. We will make Idaho a sanctuary for life, protecting the unborn and protecting our elderly from abuse., Taking Trumps lead, McGeachin told the Statesman she thinks the former president won the 2020 election over Biden, though no evidence has been produced of widespread voter fraud, as Trump and his allies have claimed.
Education indoctrination task force members: updated list and bios July fundraising reports will trickle in over the next few days, as candidates report their monthly activity. Thats exactly the sentiment behind it just get it done, girl.. She argued, however, that her actions did not violate the governors restrictions, because her pub also includes a restaurant. McGeachin has the endorsement, which is something she has really highlighted in her campaign materials. We still talk, but havent for a while..
Janice McGeachin, America First Warrior - Facebook It didn't last, Republican infighting in Idaho over the coronavirus has reached a new low, Low Turnout For COVID-19 Skeptic Rally Headlined By Idaho Lieutenant Governor, 'Loss of hope': Idaho hospitals crushed by COVID-19 surge, Gov. In the second, in October, she prohibited public schools and the states Department of Education from requiring COVID-19 testing or vaccinations. She said she does not dispute that masks are effective in preventing the spread of the virus, particularly N95s and hospital surgical masks. [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. She is the first female lieutenant governor of Idaho. Today, hers is a household name throughout Idaho, even if many people are still unsure how to say it. 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. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Politics isnt always viewed as a place for girls. Janet Adams is a retired Coeur dAlene lawyer. I thought it was a perfect saying for Janice, because of everything shes going through, and how much everyone makes her something she is not, Hamilton said by phone. Malkin has promoted anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric. Former U.S. Attorney General William Barr, whom Trump handpicked, has said of the presidents election allegations: It was all bullst.. [55][56] In August 2021, after announcing that she would challenge Little in the Republican primary for re-nomination as governor, McGeachin said that it was "shameful" for Little to ask Idahoans to show love for neighbors by getting vaccinated against COVID-19. We can never give up. Their son followed three years later. 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 two got more serious when she moved back to their hometown after graduating from the University of Arizona in 1985 with a degree in business administration, majoring in finance. McGeachin claims the in-house smoked chicken wings are the best in the state. The Idaho Capital Sun has filed a public record's request with McGeachin's office. I was hoping that he would see the virtue of keeping it in place, she said. It worked, despite Littles own past support for Trump. 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. [6][7], McGeachin unsuccessfully ran for Bonneville County commissioner in 2000, her first bid for elected office. Governor candidacy", "May 15, 2018 Primary Election Results: Statewide Totals", Candidate's security team seen as unusual for Idaho politics, "Lt. Gov. In one recent check-in, McGeachin said, she sought his guidance. At a March rally in southeast Boise for semi-truckers headed to Washington, D.C., to protest pandemic-related restrictions, McGeachin defended her fiery platform and her supporters to the crowd gathered on a small lawn next to a highway offramp truck stop. [8] As a Republican, she was a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 to 2012. 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. Heres what we know about the members so far: Anna Miller, from the Idaho Freedom Foundation, is an active voice in education policy discussions. Henry, a former Boise School District junior high teacher, said her 12-year-old daughter was bullied and beaten up, and their home address released online, leading to stalking, death threats and two break-in attempts. Shortly after, the McGeachins settle up with a crisp $100 bill, and make their exit. Idaho Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder, R-Boise, said McGeachins relationship with Republican leadership has soured during her time as lieutenant governor. A federal district court later shot down the practice in 2011, the Associated Press reported. McGeachin lists the First Presbyterian Church of Idaho Falls on her campaign website, but said she hasnt regularly attended the church for a couple years. On Palm Sunday, the week before Easter, several hundred people arrived at the Cowboy Church well more than the sign on the wall listing a maximum occupancy of 100. 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. She does not cave with pressure, and stands up for what she believes, Hamilton told the Statesman in a phone interview. McGeachins family businesses, particularly the pub, have become targets for harassment, she said, on account of her political ideology. Sami Edge/Idaho Education News A day after announcing she will run for governor in 2022, Lt. Gov. The single-story, cinder block building outside of Boise formerly housed a diesel fuel wholesaler. The McGeachins had their first child, a daughter, the year after they married. One carried the Betsy Ross American flag, with 13 stars in a circle, which today is used as a symbol for several hate and anti-government movements, the Southern Poverty Law Center reports. [27][28][29] McGeachin was apparently one of the highest-ranking elected officials to address the far-right conference. [22] For the caption, she wrote "Sending love to Todd Engel from the Idaho Capital and 'getting to know' the new Senate Pages. This group is described by Steve Taggart in his most recent Idaho Politics Weekly post as "wacky and extremist at best." calls that 'shameful', Idaho governor repeals political rival's executive order. As a result of many of her more controversial decisions, McGeachin has become a third rail of Idaho politics. McGeachin on Fauci: I'll "lock him up", "Idaho Gov. Suddenly, the bartender is zipping through the aisle asking those seated if they would like a shot. [40] The clashes intensified amid an intra-party split among Republicans on COVID-19 vaccinations, masks, and pandemic-related issues, on which traditional Republicans and the far-right disagreed. She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said.
Also in 2020, McGeachin appeared in a video montage, along with other Idaho elected officials, posted to YouTube by the Idaho Freedom Foundation. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Who is Janice McGeachin Husband? Shes a former teacher who staked her campaign, in part, on her objections to Common Core, EastIdahoNews.com reported. About . Janice McGeachin, take questions during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. Ive made my statements about who I am and what I believe in, McGeachin told the Idaho Statesman in a sit-down interview. 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. In each case, Little returned the next day and rescinded McGeachins order, calling the first instance an irresponsible, self-serving political stunt.. 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. Janice McGeachin fined $750 over public record violations, Lt. Gov. The Foundation stirred upheaval in this years legislative session over leftist indoctrination in the classroom, an effort that stalled education budgets. Around town, its known more colloquially as the Cowboy Church. 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. With campaign signs and rolled banners tucked in different corners of the space giving it a just-moved-in ambiance, McGeachins wood-paneled operations base is nondescript. [74] In the voter pamphlet, she contended, "The federal government has become too restrictive in how we teach our kids, manage health care, build our roads and manage our resources. A member of the Idaho Liberty Dogs, a right-wing citizen group, stands guard with a holstered handgun, walkie-talkie and earpiece at a campaign rally for Lt. Gov. [74] She opposes Medicaid expansion and was a leading opponent of 2018 Proposition 2, an initiative to expand Medicaid coverage to about 62,000 Idahoans. 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. [77], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[78] and for the general election. The fowl-named drink is a layered shooter, made of one part Kahlua, one part Irish cream and one part whiskey. 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. In her 3 years as lieutenant governor, she has publicly defied the governors pandemic requirements, issued executive orders in his absence and ignored the advice of the Idaho attorney generals office on release of public records. He can be reached by email at [emailprotected]. Little to reopen all businesses in Idaho by April 30, Activist apologizes after refusing to leave playground, 'Freedom' rally in Twin Falls decries moderate Republicans, public education, masks and the media, Idaho lieutenant gov. He replaced Knopp, following his withdrawal from the task force. Follow Blake on Twitter @jonesblakej. Inscribed with the words, Slay Girl Slayyy, the oblong, aluminum pendant was a birthday gift from Hamilton, her friend and a Republican candidate for state House District 12 in Nampa. Littles staff never returned her umpteen-million phone calls, she said. [42] During the pandemic, McGeachin repeatedly criticized Little for taking steps (such as closing physical businesses) to prevent the spread of the disease. 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. 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. When he announced his run for president in 2015, she listened to his entire speech and knew instantly she wanted to support him, she said. [40][46] In October 2020, McGeachin appeared in a video by the right-wing Idaho Freedom Foundation in which she wielded a gun and Bible, railed against COVID-19 public-health measures, and questioned whether "a pandemic may or may not be occurring. Who Is Janice McGeachin's Husband? A group of retired Idaho county sheriffs and police say Lt. Gov. [9][67] In announcing her candidacy, McGeachin attacked public health measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 and said that Idaho should reject federal funding to preserve "state sovereignty," although she did not give details. Its not all about I am woman, hear me roar, she said.
Janice McGeachin: 5 things about Idaho's 1st female lt. gov. | Idaho It defines homosexuality as a form of sexual immorality, grouping it with adultery, incest and bestiality. McGeachin thanked those in attendance at the America First Political Action Conference held in Orlando, Florida, for joining our efforts. U.S. Rep. Greene also spoke at the event. The makeup of Lt. Gov. One of the bartenders approaches the party of three to enlist use of a cellphone to take photos of the family from behind the bar. Janice McGeachin said Wednesday she was running for governor of Idaho . Governor to serve the state of Idaho. He wondered aloud whether the change is because she no longer feels supported by the state GOP, or because the majority of lawmakers are more in line with Little. Full Name: Janice K. McGeachin Gender: Female Family: Husband: Jim; 2 Children: Liza, James Birth Date: 01/18/1963 Birth Place: Las Cruces, NM Home City: Idaho Falls, ID Religion: Christian Education keyboard_arrow_down Political Experience keyboard_arrow_down Caucuses/Former Committees keyboard_arrow_down We are in a Marxist takeover, a communist takeover (in) this country. And Idaho will reduce its financial dependency on the federal government, she said, building to a crescendo. Clearly the campaign believes its an important credential to highlight, she added. 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. Idaho deserves law-abiding leaders, not divisive leaders. Lt. Gov. Well, whats after that? "[38] Little said that McGeachin's order "unilaterally and unlawfully" forbade local officials from determining public-health policies in their own jurisdictions and would have forbidden the state from enforcing protective measures for social workers from making home visits to at-risk patients, or for employees in state testing labs. Idaho is one of 20 U.S. states that has never had a female governor. 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.
Ex-Idaho Cops, Sheriffs Oppose McGeachin's Run for Governor Idahoans have a critically important choice to make a choice that will determine the course of our state for years to come. Janice McGeachin launches bid for governor, challenging. But in some legislative races, outside political groups might have played a bigger and more far-reaching role. Jason Knopp is the vice chairman of the Melba School Districts board. After Little backed out of a scheduled debate, McGeachin organized the event for the same night with a slate of fellow far-right candidates. To Montana the shot buyer offers to his group of new best friends. Her husband is Jim McGeachin Janice McGeachin Net Worth Her net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. The two got more serious when she moved back to their hometown. The McGeachins are known for frequenting their pub. McGeachin Signs Executive Order on Mask Mandates, "Idaho healthcare leaders plead for coronavirus mask mandate", Idaho lieutenant governor keeps focus on vaccine mandates, McGeachin's office used misleading number to disparage COVID vaccines, Idaho hospitals begin rationing health care amid COVID surge, Idaho under statewide 'crisis standards' for rationing care, Idaho morgues are running out of space for bodies as covid-19 deaths mount, Idaho governor asks people to get COVID-19 vaccine. Trump calls her just about every other week to inquire about the campaign, she said. Governor Janice McGeachin posed with and then posted on Facebook pictures she had taken with two members of The Three Percenters. Lt. Gov. The unorthodox move was a big part of why she became a passionate McGeachin supporter, and now helps organize some of her campaign events.