Traditionally the officeholder in the bench-warmer spot has waited until the governor chose to end his run, or transitioned to a federal position. [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. [48], In July 2020, McGeachin condemned federal economic relief granted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Janice McGeachin for governor campaign displays signs and pamphlets that prominently show former President Donald Trumps endorsement. "[59], McGeachin was an Idaho presidential elector for the Republican slate in 2020, casting one of Idaho's four electoral votes for Donald Trump; the other Idaho electors that year were Melinda Smyser, Raul Labrador, and Rod Beck. [45] In a May 2020 editorial, McGeachin wrote that, "I lose sleep at night because the heavy hand of our government is hurting so many Idahoans. Idaho's governor left the state. She said she took a pair of trips, to Trump Tower in New York City and his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, to explain her role as vice chair of his presidential campaign in Idaho before serving as a delegate at the Republican National Convention in 2016 and 2020. "[43] By July 2020, after the state's economy had reopened, Idaho saw a spike in coronavirus cases. Fundraising allowed some successful statewide candidates to dominate the airwaves. [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. [6][7], McGeachin unsuccessfully ran for Bonneville County commissioner in 2000, her first bid for elected office. 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. She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. Theres no future for them, and I mean that wholeheartedly., 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. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. McGeachin said she doesnt concern herself with unflattering characterizations, or any of the other things people say about her. You know, Mr. [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. 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. McGeachin claims the in-house smoked chicken wings are the best in the state. 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. 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. "[52], McGeachin has used her office to promote misinformation to disparage COVID-19 vaccines. Janice McGeachin takes a question from an attendee during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. 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. 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. Stationed along the perimeter of the parks amphitheater lawn were members of the right-wing citizen group the Idaho Liberty Dogs, wearing holstered handguns, walkie-talkies and earpieces. Lt. Gov. It is time to make Idaho free again, she said. Sonya Harris is a politically active Blackfoot school board trustee. Who is Janice McGeachin Husband? Hamilton, also McGeachins part-time director of communications this past legislative session, said the pendant epitomized her feelings toward the lieutenant governor, and is also a message she hoped her friend would keep close to her heart out on the campaign trail. And thats whats not fair., Lt. Gov. 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. We still talk, but havent for a while.. 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. Little and McGeachin have become famously locked in disharmony. [35][36] McGeachin submitted a supplemental budget request, seeking for that sum to be paid by taxpayer funds. [31] Idaho teachers described McGeachin's committee as a McCarthyist attack on teachers and a distraction from the challenges faced by Idaho's education system in reality. [22] For the caption, she wrote "Sending love to Todd Engel from the Idaho Capital and 'getting to know' the new Senate Pages. (VanderSloot and his wife, Belinda, each donated campaign maximums of $5,000 to Little. Sex with animals.. [30][31] Committee members discussed proposals to abolish the Idaho State Board of Education. Hamilton, however, prefers to keep the focus of McGeachins candidacy on her credentials. She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. She also inquired with the Idaho National Guard about ordering troops to the U.S.-Mexico border that Little was visiting. Janice McGeachin at a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. Professor Scott Yenor is a professor of political philosophy at Boise State University. Joseph Kren was the principal at Priest River Lamanna High School through last spring, when he left the school after 34 years in Idaho education. [20] During the 2018 campaign, McGeachin took security guards with her to a debate at the Idaho Public Television station in Boise, although there was no known threat against her, and characterized them as "friends. 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. The committee was premised on the notion that "the scourge of critical race theory, socialism, communism, and Marxism" was "infiltrating" the Idaho school and college system. Late last week, Idaho Lt. [83], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[84] and the general election. Brad Little wins GOP primary over Trump's pick, Lt. Gov. [5] Assorted $1 bills folded into origami shapes, including hearts and bow ties, decorate the side of a Jameson Irish Whiskey mirror above the bar. 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.. 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. It remains the only election McGeachin has lost. In addition, McGeachin threw open the doors of her familys pub in Idaho Falls before the order preventing bars from reopening lapsed. It now acts as the nerve center for Republican Janice McGeachins upstart political ambitions for governor. 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. Idaho already would ban abortion if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the precedent-setting case of Roe v. Wade. 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. And were both very grateful for that. 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. Unseating an incumbent is no easy task, and McGeachin is up against an opponent in Little who has fundraised more than $2 million, or roughly triple her donation haul, according to Idaho secretary of state records. 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. 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. He's a lifelong Idahoan, and holds degrees in Creative Writing and Political Economy from the College of Idaho. McGeachin told The New York Times that Trump called her the day after she defended the former president in a June 2021 appearance on Fox News commentator Tucker Carlsons TV show, and she slipped in her intent to challenge Little during the conversation and asked for Trumps support. [13], McGeachin was a delegate for Donald Trump at the 2016 Republican National Convention, and was vice-chair of Trump's Idaho campaign committee. She also has sparked controversy over her repeated interactions with fringe, extremist and racist figures. All rights reserved, If you choose local pickup, please get your gift certificate at our office at 400 W. Sunnyside in Idaho Falls Dismiss, defended accepting the coronavirus relief payments, Man charged with murder in Dylan Rounds case, Caught on camera: Moose charges snowmobilers by Palisades, Man allegedly kidnapped woman, held air freshener to her nose and mouth, Giant flying insect found on Walmart building turns out to be Jurassic-era find, Video shows suspect with blood stains as he cleaned gun following Dylan Rounds disappearance, charges say. 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. And this is a manifestation of it in our face. The two positions run for election separately, rather than as a unified ticket. 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. McGeachin and her husband also own and operate an auto parts distribution center, a machine shop and two transmission repair shops. COEUR d'ALENE With an American flag and two crosses in the background at Candlelight Christian Fellowship, Lt. Gov. 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. 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. 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. 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 "[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. McGeachin speech played at conference organized by white nationalist, McGeachin delivers taped speech to white nationalist meeting, McGeachins education task force discusses calls to disband State Board of Education, 'A Very McCarthyism Feel': Idaho Teachers Say Indoctrination Task Force Stokes Fear, Idaho's far-right 'indoctrination' witch hunt comes up short in Boise State investigation, ISBA rep leaves indoctrination task force, decrying 'partisan campaigning', Idaho Lt. Gov. The fowl-named drink is a layered shooter, made of one part Kahlua, one part Irish cream and one part whiskey. [71] Of Idaho's 44 counties, McGeachin carried just four, all in the Idaho Panhandle. [29], In 2021, McGeachin convened an "education indoctrination task force" co-chaired by fellow Republican Priscilla Giddings. Ive made my statements about who I am and what I believe in, McGeachin told the Idaho Statesman in a sit-down interview. 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. The men wore shirts promoting Todd Engel, who was sentenced to prison in connection with the Bundy standoff fatal encounter with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Janice McGeachin, the renegade lieutenant governor of Idaho who is running for governor, likes to portray herself as a law-and-order candidate. Janice is a former State Representative and a successful business owner from Idaho Falls who, along with her husband Jim McGeachin, own and operate multiple businesses in the automotive industry, with stores in Idaho Falls and Boise. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from Loyola University in Chicago. [68] While addressing a crowd of fellow Republicans at a campaign appearance, McGeachin criticized the Boise Police Department and Boise State University for holding a conference to study right-wing extremism, and said of Anthony Fauci (the U.S. government's top infectious disease scientist): "we'll lock him up. 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. 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. [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. But I think its important that we stand strong.. Its perhaps a surprise location from which to mount a run for the states highest office. FILE . It defines homosexuality as a form of sexual immorality, grouping it with adultery, incest and bestiality. 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. Its in our homes, she said. 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. I was hoping that he would see the virtue of keeping it in place, she said. Janice McGeachin facing public condemnation over photo with 3 Percenters", "Idaho Lieutenant Governor Faces Backlash For Photo Supporting Jailed Militiaman", "Idaho 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. He replaced Knopp, following his withdrawal from the task force. McGeachin remembers the city back then as a great place to grow up a small and supportive community. [14][15][16][17], In April 2017, McGeachin filed to run for lieutenant governor of Idaho. ), 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. 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. We must actively support those with the courage to resist tyranny. Well, whats after that? Excuse me, I really like what youre doing here, he says, to which she thanks him, and chats for a moment. Janice McGeachin in her bid for governor, held May 4 at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian. McGeachin not only listened to her and other parents, Henry said, but also their children. 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. [72] She concluded her term as lieutenant governor on January 2, 2023. Janice McGeachins Task Force to Examine Indoctrination in Idaho Education has changed shape slightly since its membership was announced in May as more details have emerged about its members. A group of retired Idaho county sheriffs and police say Lt. Gov. [40][46] At the rally, McGeachin criticized Little and other state officials. [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. As lieutenant governor, McGeachin aligned herself with Donald Trump and frequently clashed with Little. [6][74][75] She opposes minimum wages, believing that government should play no role in determining wages. He can be reached by email at [emailprotected]. Each was the first woman to serve in their positions, too, and she credited them both for their fearlessness and no-nonsense approach to politics. 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 and Cawthorn fell on Tuesday. Janice McGeachin speaks during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. [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. 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. The departure had nothing to do with his participation on the task force, Moffett told the Idaho State Journal. Moderation in pursuit of justice is no virtue. . Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. Laura van Voorhees recently moved to Kootenai County from California. 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. Each rode the Make America Great Again wave under former President Donald Trump that propelled a number of far-right candidates into office. Her husband is Jim McGeachin Janice McGeachin Net Worth Her net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. "[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. 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. 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. Janice McGeachin (then Kyes), lower right, appears in her sophomore year portrait in the 1979 yearbook for Skyline High School, located in Idaho Falls. 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. One of the big questions were seeing in general about elections this year is about how much effect Trump will have, said Jaclyn Kettler, a political science professor at Boise State University. Idaho Lt. Gov. McGeachin said she was an early adopter of Trump leading the Republican Party. Janice McGeachin presented her 10-point gubernatorial platform for her first 100 days in office during a press conference on the Idaho Capitol steps in March. [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. 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.. Beck is not sure how McGeachin made the connection to Trump, he said, but she did it all on her own. In February, McGeachin made national headlines after she appeared in a recorded video at a right-wing political event founded by a man who has repeatedly made antisemitic statements and is associated with white supremacists, according to a U.S. Department of Justice court filing. Conservative Republican & Principled America First Warrior who always stands up for individual rights Today, hers is a household name throughout Idaho, even if many people are still unsure how to say it. 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. A political philosophy professor and a former Idaho State Board of Education president also sit on the 14-member assembly. The two got more serious when she moved back to their hometown. [79], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary. 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. 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. "Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a religion of . [82] She won the general election with 73% of the vote against Scott Cannon. 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. 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. As part of a 10-point platform in her first 100 days as governor, McGeachin said she will work to prevent and eliminate all pandemic-related public health mandates, add incentives to increase production of firearms and ammunition in the state and strengthen abortion restrictions. Her participation in that event - which also featured . She said she does not dispute that masks are effective in preventing the spread of the virus, particularly N95s and hospital surgical masks. All Rights Reserved. Because sin is progressive, right? Brown told the congregation. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. Regardless, McGeachins faithful following has continued to grow. My disagreements with his decisions of shutting businesses down and managing the pandemic grew, McGeachin said. The couple has two children. She unsuccessfully challenged Little in the Republican primary for governor in the 2022 election. Janice McGeachin Thursday unveiled the membership list of her new "Task Force to Examine . PHOTOS: Lt. Gov. [58] McGeachin also opposes vaccine mandates. McGeachin. 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. 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. She more often drops into one in the Wood River Valley, she said, and another, more worship-based congregation in Idaho Falls called Watersprings Church. Among their favorite ski resorts are Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole, both in Wyoming near the Idaho border, and Sun Valley, where the family also owns a home just south of Ketchum. It is estimated that her net worth is somewhere between $1 million and $3 million. As a man in the audience yelled a vulgarity about Little referencing the female anatomy, drawing laughter from the crowd, McGeachin accused the incumbent governor of losing touch with Idaho values, and turning his back on residents during the pandemic. The Republican is the first sitting governor in more than 30 years to refuse to take part in the Idaho Debates, which air statewide on Idaho Public Television. Its a daily process, she said. The residents came together and pulled through, McGeachin said. McGeachin cited Littles handling of the COVID-19 pandemic for prompting her to run now. 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. [38] Little also noted that her order duplicated a proposed bill that had failed to pass the state legislature. Her relationship with Little finally boiled over last year when McGeachin leveraged the Idaho Constitution, which bestows power upon her position when the governor is out of state, and issued a pair of pandemic-related executive orders. [80] She won the general election with 71.19% of the vote against Democratic nominee Scott Cannon. 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. 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. McGeachin urges Gov. Amid a deluge of partisan cheerleading, anti-LGBTQ speech and Trump worship from invited speakers, Idahos lieutenant governor took hold of the mic. Janice McGeachin said Wednesday she was running for governor of Idaho . [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. The McGeachins are known for frequenting their pub. 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.