Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin launches bid for governor, challenging A federal appeals court overturned Idahos ban on same-sex marriage in 2014, and the U.S. Supreme Court legalized it across all 50 states a year later. 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. 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. Janice McGeachin Loses to Brad Little Despite Trump Endorsement It remains the only election McGeachin has lost. Janice McGeachin, 57, received $314,727 through two different PPP loans for J.R. McGeachin Inc in April . | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Why Idaho's Janice McGeachin Scares the Bejeezus Out of These Cops McGeachin is asking taxpayers to cover $50,000 worth of her legal costs, Boise State Public Radio reported. Lt. Gov. [64][65] Legal experts dismissed the suit as meritless,[65] and it was rejected by the Supreme Court. Rev. 2015 - 2023
McGeachin said she leans on her Presbyterian faith and her trust in God when she encounters obstacles. [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. A political philosophy professor and a former Idaho State Board of Education president also sit on the 14-member assembly. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com, If you ask the kids, Henry told a small crowd gathered during a fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery, the very best day that they had last year, it was the one day that she (issued) the executive order for them to go to school without a mask. The room erupted in cheers and applause, as one attendee shouted, FREEDOM!. Since winning the lieutenant governors office, McGeachin has regularly garnered the spotlight for her combative relationship with Little. The Voter's Self Defense System - Vote Smart Janice McGeachin enters the house chambers at the state Capitol building on Jan. 10, 2022 in Boise, Idaho. 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. In one recent check-in, McGeachin said, she sought his guidance. Sami Edge/Idaho Education News A day after announcing she will run for governor in 2022, Lt. Gov. Reporter Blake Jones covers the politics and policy of Idaho's K-12 public school system. 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.. Governor candidacy", "May 15, 2018 Primary Election Results: Statewide Totals", Candidate's security team seen as unusual for Idaho politics, "Lt. Gov. She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. A member of the Republican Party, she was previously a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 until 2012.[5]. Janice McGeachin announces run for governor Brian Myrick/Idaho Press May 19, 2021 1 of 12 As featured on Lt. Gov. 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. The rotation of bartenders appears to be playing to their VIPs, frequently stopping to check in on the McGeachins and their daughter. 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. 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. Follow Blake on Twitter @jonesblakej. 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. Dark wood moulding with ornate Celtic inlay pay tribute to the pubs overarching theme, as do a row of soccer scarves and flags from the nations of the United Kingdom hanging overhead. [9] Trump endorsed McGeachin's candidacy. [11][43] In late-April 2020, McGeachin urged reopening all businesses in Idaho by April 30,[44] and also spoke at a protest in eastern Idaho against stay-at-home directives. 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. He has scored some big wins,. Occupying a largely ceremonial role, the lieutenant governor acts as president of the Senate. McGeachin announces indoctrination task force members McGeachins family businesses, particularly the pub, have become targets for harassment, she said, on account of her political ideology. In the second, in October, she prohibited public schools and the states Department of Education from requiring COVID-19 testing or vaccinations. You know, Mr. 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. Janice McGeachin said Wednesday she was running for governor of Idaho . And this is a manifestation of it in our face. Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin wants Gov. Little to intervene in child 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. [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. EastIdahoNews.com, LLC. Proms and school sports seasons will never again be canceled, she promised. 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. [58] McGeachin also opposes vaccine mandates. She entered politics in 2002 when elected to a seat in the state house. Karen McGee is a former Idaho State Board of Education executive director and president. 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. She also has sparked controversy over her repeated interactions with fringe, extremist and racist figures. They dont know who this is.. 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. A few challengers ran spendy races and unseated Statehouse incumbents. 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. 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. The two got more serious when she moved back to their hometown. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. All three politicos now carry the highly sought-after endorsement of Americas polarizing 45th president. Professor Scott Yenor is a professor of political philosophy at Boise State University. Janet Adams is a retired Coeur dAlene lawyer. Around town, its known more colloquially as the Cowboy Church. The departure had nothing to do with his participation on the task force, Moffett told the Idaho State Journal. We need Janice McGeachin. 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, 2021. Hes my best friend, my strongest supporter, and my partner in life, she said. However, McGeachin's Idaho Falls-based business accepted two partially forgivable loans, totaling $314,727, from the federal Paycheck Protection Program. calls that 'shameful', Idaho governor repeals political rival's executive order. Who Is Janice McGeachin's Husband? Janice McGeachin embraces Rep. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton, before giving her remarks on Wednesday (Kelcie Moseley-Morris/Idaho Capital Sun). Idahoans have a critically important choice to make a choice that will determine the course of our state for years to come. Little Says He Hasn't Spoken To Lt. Gov McGeachin In Weeks, Cases of coronavirus in Idaho spike after businesses reopen, Lt. Gov. 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. "[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. [22] She opposes abortion, same-sex marriage, and gun control. Traditionally the officeholder in the bench-warmer spot has waited until the governor chose to end his run, or transitioned to a federal position. She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. McGeachin. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Shes a former teacher who staked her campaign, in part, on her objections to Common Core, EastIdahoNews.com reported. PHOTOS: Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin announces run for governor Idaho Lt. Gov. Jason Knopp is the vice chairman of the Melba School Districts board. Lt. Gov. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. [36] The legislature declined McGeachin's request to have the costs of the settlement paid by the state budget. Governor to serve the state of Idaho. Sonya Harris is a politically active Blackfoot school board trustee. [8] As a Republican, she was a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 to 2012. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. [38] Little also noted that her order duplicated a proposed bill that had failed to pass the state legislature. Throwing her hat in the ring for governor, McGeachin appealed to Trump for his endorsement over Little. The state has also paused vendor payments from McGeachin's office, and McGeachin has told state officials to withhold her salary and benefits to avoid a budget shortfall. 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. 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. A group of retired Idaho county sheriffs and police say Lt. Gov. 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 . Janice McGeachin and the scandal that wasn't - Idaho Freedom Its pronounced Ma-Gee-in.. COEUR d'ALENE With an American flag and two crosses in the background at Candlelight Christian Fellowship, Lt. Gov. Where men are men, and sheep are scared! Jimmy McGeachin belts back, a joke about bestiality. 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.. Malkin has promoted anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric. [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. [73], McGeachin and Republican Representative Larry C. Bradford were re-districted to 31A. McGeachin herself donned a mask at times around the Capitol during a statewide peak of COVID-19 from the delta variant, telling the Statesman she did so out of respect for others who were there. Members of her initiative claimed, without substantiation, that Idaho schoolchildren were being indoctrinated. After four meetings, the task force delivered a set of vague recommendations. [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. [7][9][10][11] As chair of the state House Health and Welfare Committee, she cut Medicaid funding and voted against legislation to create a state-based health insurance exchange. Its not enough to just silently nod along, McGeachin told rallygoers. [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. Janice McGeachin attends a rally to support semi-truckers and protest against COVID-19 vaccination mandates for employment held in Boise in March. Janice McGeachin, as Senate president, presides over a session in March. Janice McGeachin: 5 things about Idaho's 1st female lt. gov. | Idaho 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,. 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. Its just about all women supporting each other, McGeachin said. Governor promotes 'walk-thru disinfectant cubes', Idaho lieutenant governor got pandemic loans for business, Acting as Idaho Governor, Lt. Gov. Its in our homes, she said. 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. Politics isnt always viewed as a place for girls. Sex with animals.. The family who drinks together stays together, right? the bartender says. And Idaho will reduce its financial dependency on the federal government, she said, building to a crescendo. But a group of retired police officers and. 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. She found herself embroiled in controversy when she posted - and deleted - a photo on her Facebook page that appears to show her. [72] She concluded her term as lieutenant governor on January 2, 2023. [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. PHOTOS: Lt. Gov. 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. 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. McGeachin was born in southern New Mexico, 35 miles north of the Mexican border, to Allyn and Dorothy Kyes. [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. McGeachin has been married to Jim McGeachin for quite some time. He's a lifelong Idahoan, and holds degrees in Creative Writing and Political Economy from the College of Idaho. Janice McGeachin - Wikipedia [48], In July 2020, McGeachin condemned federal economic relief granted during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. Sometimes, a contrarian candidate wins in a closed Republican primary. Grace Panetta and Nicole Gaudiano May 17, 2022, 8:00 PM - Idaho 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. He can be reached by email at [emailprotected]. 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. 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. 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. BOISE (Idaho Statesman) Idaho Lt. Gov. As a result of many of her more controversial decisions, McGeachin has become a third rail of Idaho politics. The McGeachins are known for frequenting their pub. [70], McGeachin is part of the far-right wing of the Republican Party. [59][73] She appeared at a rally for the Three Percenters, an anti-government militia movement group. 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. So when women especially conservative women try to get involved in this, we need to have encouragement as much as we can., Jennifer Curtiss, of Nampa, left, poses for a photo with Idaho GOP vice chair Machele Hamilton, center, and Lt. Gov. 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. When they passed gay marriage, they opened Pandoras box. 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. 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. Clearly the campaign believes its an important credential to highlight, she added. Sami Edge/Idaho Education News (UPDATED: Oct. 19, reflecting the death of Pete Coulson from COVID-19.) She also inquired with the Idaho National Guard about ordering troops to the U.S.-Mexico border that Little was visiting. Conservative Republican & Principled America First Warrior who always stands up for individual rights Shortly after, the McGeachins settle up with a crisp $100 bill, and make their exit. Janice McGeachin is the lieutenant governor of the State of Idaho. [77], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[78] and for the general election. Janice McGeachin, America First Warrior - Facebook [31] The Idaho Statesman editorial board described the effort as "a manufactured witch hunt" driven by the "far-right fringe of Idaho's politics. Former Ada County Sheriff Gary Raney, a Republican, recently launched a political action committee with the support of a dozen retired members of Idaho law enforcement to advocate against McGeachin for governor. [22] For the caption, she wrote "Sending love to Todd Engel from the Idaho Capital and 'getting to know' the new Senate Pages. McGeachin also garnered criticism after federal records revealed that she applied for and received more than $314,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, even though she previously said she is opposed to government programs that foster dependency. In a social media post, she defended accepting the coronavirus relief payments for her familys businesses, saying that their employees needed the funds because they had been harmed by government shutdowns and other public health requirements. Idaho Education News Data Analyst Randy Schrader contributed to this report. He replaced Knopp, following his withdrawal from the task force. 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. Brad Little wins GOP primary over Trump's pick, Lt. Gov. [29], In 2021, McGeachin convened an "education indoctrination task force" co-chaired by fellow Republican Priscilla Giddings. appears in video slamming virus rules, whether 'a pandemic may or may not be occurring', Idaho Lt. Who is Janice McGeachin Husband? 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. 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. A federal district court later shot down the practice in 2011, the Associated Press reported. Regardless, McGeachins faithful following has continued to grow. 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. Will that be a really impactful endorsement, or not really a defining kind of factor in determining outcomes? The Idaho Capital Sun has filed a public record's request with McGeachin's office. McGeachin cited Littles handling of the COVID-19 pandemic for prompting her to run now. 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] 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. When I am struggling, I know where I need to go to get strength, wisdom, encouragement. Janice McGeachin: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know | Heavy.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: The Donald Trump of Idaho Idaho Tribune 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 her segment, she listed Americans inalienable rights while seated in the drivers seat of a truck brandishing a Bible, and then a handgun. McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[76] and the general election. Hes a career firefighter who has also represented his school district in the Idaho School Boards Association. 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. [1], McGeachin has had a number of business ventures. 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. Who is Janice McGeachin? Age, Husband, Net Worth. McGeachin and her husband, Jim, also own the wholesale automotive parts supplier store Idaho Transmission Warehouse, which has two Idaho locations, as well as a torque convertor remanufacturing. Littles staff never returned her umpteen-million phone calls, she said. Were getting to be too much of a centralized government on the federal level and getting away from what I believe our Founding Fathers intent was, McGeachin said, seated in her campaign headquarters office flanked by a framed photo of her firing an assault-style rifle. "[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 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 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. "[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 announces indoctrination task force members [1] She graduated from Skyline High School in Idaho Falls and earned her B.S. Janice McGeachin at a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. 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.