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. [82] She won the general election with 73% of the vote against Scott Cannon. 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 . Its not enough to just silently nod along, McGeachin told rallygoers. FILE . McGeachin and her husband also own and operate an auto parts distribution center, a machine shop and two transmission repair shops. "[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. 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. She also was a member of the Teddy Bears, the schools choreographed drill team, and involved in student council her sophomore year. The federal government has become too restrictive in how we teach our kids, manage health care, build our roads and manage our resources." Hes a career firefighter who has also represented his school district in the Idaho School Boards Association. McGeachin not only listened to her and other parents, Henry said, but also their children. We must actively support those with the courage to resist tyranny. Delivering the phone back to McGeachins daughter, he has some advice. Once the pandemic plunged local economies and governments into turmoil during a 37-day statewide, stay-at-home order, McGeachin began openly flouting Littles public health rules. Mark Hand, a retired Marine, said he joined the task force after he had to sit through a privilege and oppression class while attending school for social work in Washington. McGeachin was born Janice Kyes on January 18, 1963, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Lt. Gov. When I am struggling, I know where I need to go to get strength, wisdom, encouragement. Late last week, Idaho Lt. 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. Members continue to include an Idaho Freedom Foundation employee and a charter school leader who pushed to use the Bible in public schools. The residents came together and pulled through, McGeachin said. July fundraising reports will trickle in over the next few days, as candidates report their monthly activity. Janice's McGeachin's chief of staff has informed McGeachin and a state budget administrator that he will resign when the Idaho Legislature adjourns for the year.. Jordan Watters, McGeachin's chief of staff, gave McGeachin notice of his resignation on Thursday, according to an email from Watters obtained by the Idaho Capital Sun. [30][31] Committee members discussed proposals to abolish the Idaho State Board of Education. One more for prosperity.. The couple has two children. Each rode the Make America Great Again wave under former President Donald Trump that propelled a number of far-right candidates into office. [14][15][16][17], In April 2017, McGeachin filed to run for lieutenant governor of Idaho. Janice McGeachin: 5 things about Idaho's 1st female lt. gov. | Idaho She is the first female lieutenant governor of Idaho. Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin received over $300k in federal COVID Shes touted her business acumen as a reason why shes qualified, said David Roth, former chair of the Bonneville County Democratic Party, now running to challenge U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, in November. [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. Throwing her hat in the ring for governor, McGeachin appealed to Trump for his endorsement over Little. Why Idaho's Janice McGeachin Scares the Bejeezus Out of These Cops 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. Shes not the Janice that people grew up with, Thompson, who is running to rejoin the state House, told the Statesman in an interview. Henry then met McGeachin during a rally against requiring schoolchildren to wear masks in the classroom held on the Capitol steps, and explained her familys traumatic experience. 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 "[52], McGeachin has used her office to promote misinformation to disparage COVID-19 vaccines. I stood with them when Mr. Little sent his law enforcement into their business and threatened to take their license away, she told a crowd at a rally last week in Meridian. A cadre of Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group with links to white supremacy, also stalked the grounds. The hourlong service mixed prayers, Christian-inspired acoustic country and a weekly poem, all built around Browns sermon. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. He can be reached by email at [emailprotected]. Janice McGeachin fined $750 over public record violations, Lt. Gov. "[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. [64][65] Legal experts dismissed the suit as meritless,[65] and it was rejected by the Supreme Court. Janice McGeachin is the lieutenant governor of the State of Idaho. 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. 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. [37] Separately, McGeachin's attorneys billed her almost $17,000 to defend her in the records lawsuit; McGeachin said in 2022 that the public did not pay for these legal fees. ), 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. [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. Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin's chief of staff announces resignation Also in 2020, McGeachin appeared in a video montage, along with other Idaho elected officials, posted to YouTube by the Idaho Freedom Foundation. Janice McGeachin in her bid for governor, held May 4 at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian. [41][56][57] Overwhelmed by a surge of COVID-19 patients, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare activated "crisis standards" that allowed hospitals in the state to ration healthcare. Janice McGeachin, her husband and their two adult children share ownership of The Celt Pub & Grill, an Irish-themed bar and restaurant in downtown Idaho Falls. [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. Janice McGeachin launches bid for governor, challenging. Former state Rep. Jeff Thompson, an Idaho Falls Republican who served two terms in the House with McGeachin, drew a parallel between his old friends political shift and Trumps unexpected ascension in the Republican Party in 2016, all the way to the Oval Office. Laura van Voorhees recently moved to Kootenai County from California. She found herself embroiled in controversy when she posted - and deleted - a photo on her Facebook page that appears to show her. Supporters and opponents acknowledge, though, she and her growing persona are anything but, with McGeachin increasingly invoking militarized rhetoric and a blend of patriotism and faith as rival political factions signal an intensifying culture war. Also joining were nationally known special guests freedom fighters, as McGeachin dubs them including former Fox News commentator Michelle Malkin and Arizona state Sen. Wendy Rogers, who each endorse McGeachin. 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. She protested at rallies, in direct violation of the orders, before showing up to the reopening of a brewpub in North Idaho that defied the governors requirements. The McGeachins had their first child, a daughter, the year after they married. 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. We are in a Marxist takeover, a communist takeover (in) this country. 3-2-1, he says, tapping the phones touch-screen shutter. 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. McGeachin announces indoctrination task force members A federal district court later shot down the practice in 2011, the Associated Press reported. But the seat also is viewed as a stepping stone for the states next governor, with five of Idahos past seven governors, including Little, 68, having served as second-in-command. On an early April evening, theyre there for dinner and a few rounds of drinks, while the familys matriarch is home from the campaign trail. It makes me feel good that both Jimmy and I have created a life for them that they want to be close to their parents, McGeachin said. [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. We still talk, but havent for a while.. The Republican lieutenant governors candidate backed out after debate organizers would not give her an advance list of reporters on the panel. Idaho taxpayer files complaint over Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin's limited I sure hope she becomes our next governor.. And thats whats not fair., Lt. Gov. 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. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. "[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. To Montana the shot buyer offers to his group of new best friends. Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin responds to Little | Local Will that be a really impactful endorsement, or not really a defining kind of factor in determining outcomes? Reporter Blake Jones covers the politics and policy of Idaho's K-12 public school system. Janice McGeachin Loses to Brad Little Despite Trump Endorsement 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, Wednesday, May 19,. The departure had nothing to do with his participation on the task force, Moffett told the Idaho State Journal. [73], McGeachin and Republican Representative Larry C. Bradford were re-districted to 31A. She said she supports marriage between a man and a woman, as outlined by Idaho's Constitution, despite the fact that gay marriage became legal by federal law in a U.S. Supreme Court case in 2015. She unsuccessfully challenged Little in the Republican primary for governor in the 2022 election. [55] A surge in COVID-19 cases first strained, and then surpassed, the capacity of the state's health care system. | Kevin Fixler, kfixler@idahostatesman.com. 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. Crowd of 100 at Idaho Capitol came to support McGeachin for governor She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. 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. Its just about all women supporting each other, McGeachin said. [77], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[78] and for the general election. She was elected lieutenant governor in the 2018 election, to serve with the governor, Brad Little. It is estimated that her net worth is somewhere between $1 million and $3 million. Politics isnt always viewed as a place for girls. Idaho's Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin Has Gone Rogue Over Coronavirus After library bill vote, Boyle abruptly steps down from House Education, Lawmakers reject new ESA proposal in frustrated debate, Statehouse roundup, 2.27.23: Parental rights bill passes House easily, Coeur dAlene trustee calls anti-levy campaign disgusting and un-American. McGeachins May 17 GOP primary is one of Idahos most-watched races, largely because it has determined the governor for the past seven elections in the heavily conservative state. Briefly serving as acting governor, Janice McGeachin issues order So, how much is Janice McGeachin worth at the age of 59 years old? In her statement, she challenged news outlets for accusing conservatives of believing everything ever said by anyone with whom they share a stage, adding that she does not support identity politics or other discriminatory views.. 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. The federal government has gotten to be so big and is interfering so much in all of our lives as states. Her husband is Jim McGeachin Janice McGeachin Net Worth Her net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. Janice McGeachin speaks during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. 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. [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. The McGeachins two adult children run an Irish pub the family owns in a historic building they restored in downtown Idaho Falls. After Little backed out of a scheduled debate, McGeachin organized the event for the same night with a slate of fellow far-right candidates. [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. James Wilson first appeared through internet searches to be a controversial North Idaho evangelist who authored a book applying tenets of warfare to strategic evangelism, but he is not, McGeachins chief of staff Jordan Watters wrote by email May 27. But I think that this is the time that if we dont make the changes that need to happen, Idahos gone for our kids. Her candidacy was supported by state Senator Dean Mortimer. "[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. 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. Janice McGeachin: The Donald Trump of Idaho Idaho Tribune Lt. Gov. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Janice McGeachin, the renegade lieutenant governor of Idaho who is running for governor, likes to portray herself as a law-and-order candidate. Janice McGeachin settles Idaho Press Club Lawsuit, Public records show McGeachin billed nearly $17,000 for her own legal fees in records lawsuit, Idaho leaders don't act on McGeachin legal fee request, Idaho lieutenant governor banned mask mandates while the governor was out of town. Sonya Harris is a politically active Blackfoot school board trustee. She also tried to deploy the Idaho National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border, according to Little and Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak, who heads the states National Guard. 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.