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,. Ive been pregnant twice. Janice McGeachin said Wednesday she was running for governor of Idaho . He founded the congregation, according to its website, after he went on a solo, three-day horseback ride through five Idaho counties to connect with God and receive his guidance. 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. When they passed gay marriage, they opened Pandoras box. "[23][24] McGeachin faced public criticism for the photo and quickly deleted it. [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. 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. Throwing her hat in the ring for governor, McGeachin appealed to Trump for his endorsement over Little. 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. 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. "[49], In May 2021, after Little left the state to attend a Republican Governors' Association conference in Nashville, Tennessee, making McGeachin acting governor in his absence, she issued an executive order that barred the state and Idaho counties, cities, public school districts, and public universities from adopting mask mandates. A federal district court later shot down the practice in 2011, the Associated Press reported. "[43] By July 2020, after the state's economy had reopened, Idaho saw a spike in coronavirus cases. Her participation in that event - which also featured . 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. And were both very grateful for that. He's a lifelong Idahoan, and holds degrees in Creative Writing and Political Economy from the College of Idaho. This group is described by Steve Taggart in his most recent Idaho Politics Weekly post as "wacky and extremist at best." [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. Id say shes more withdrawn today, Winder, who supports Little, told the Statesman. July fundraising reports will trickle in over the next few days, as candidates report their monthly activity. But shes a hard worker for what we stand for maintaining our republic. It defines homosexuality as a form of sexual immorality, grouping it with adultery, incest and bestiality. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. The single-story, cinder block building outside of Boise formerly housed a diesel fuel wholesaler. 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. 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. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Hamilton, however, prefers to keep the focus of McGeachins candidacy on her credentials. McGeachin is asking taxpayers to cover $50,000 worth of her legal costs, Boise State Public Radio reported. She also was a member of the Teddy Bears, the schools choreographed drill team, and involved in student council her sophomore year. 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. McGeachin told the Statesman she didnt issue the orders thinking the governor would automatically reverse her statewide decrees. COEUR d'ALENE With an American flag and two crosses in the background at Candlelight Christian Fellowship, Lt. Gov. [59][73] She appeared at a rally for the Three Percenters, an anti-government militia movement group. McGeachin drew similar scrutiny over several incidents that included members of the Three Percenters, which the Anti-Defamation League labels an anti-government militia movement. She argued, however, that her actions did not violate the governors restrictions, because her pub also includes a restaurant. "[25] The Idaho Falls Post Register editorial board criticized McGeachin for embracing the 3 Percenters and militia movement. President, how do you deal with some of this stuff when you were kind of under fire? He said: Never back down. . Idaho is one of 20 U.S. states that has never had a female governor. As I have traveled across our beautiful state, I have listened to our people, McGeachin said in a speech from the Capitol steps in March. 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 met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. Much of the ongoing feud appears to have arisen from the governors decisions during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic helping inspire her to become the second lieutenant governor since 1932 to take on the Idaho governor in a primary, according to Kettlers analysis. [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. 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. Lt. Gov. Trump calls her just about every other week to inquire about the campaign, she said. 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. "[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. 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. 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. [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. When I am struggling, I know where I need to go to get strength, wisdom, encouragement. She entered politics in 2002 when elected to a seat in the state house. 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. Sex with animals.. McGeachin has been married to Jim McGeachin for quite some time. McGeachin and Cawthorn fell on Tuesday. 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. Grace Panetta and Nicole Gaudiano May 17, 2022, 8:00 PM - Idaho Lt. Gov. Who Is Janice McGeachin's Husband? [13], McGeachin was a delegate for Donald Trump at the 2016 Republican National Convention, and was vice-chair of Trump's Idaho campaign committee. [8] As a Republican, she was a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 to 2012. Lt. Gov. 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. [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. FILE . 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 Governor Janice McGeachin arrives at a rally to support semi-truckers and protest against COVID-19 vaccination mandates for employment held in Boise in March. It makes us feel happy that they want to continue to be part of our companies and continue to stay in our community.. 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. [9] Trump endorsed McGeachin's candidacy. [77], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[78] and for the general election. Well, whats after that? Their son followed three years later. Theres no future for them, and I mean that wholeheartedly., Lt. Gov. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from Loyola University in Chicago. 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. Excuse me, I really like what youre doing here, he says, to which she thanks him, and chats for a moment. Reporter Blake Jones covers the politics and policy of Idaho's K-12 public school system. McGeachin and her husband also own and operate an auto parts distribution center, a machine shop and two transmission repair shops. Malkin has promoted anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric. Another source of inspiration for McGeachin can frequently be found hanging around her neck. Previously unidentified, five other task force members introduced themselves at the task forces inaugural meeting. | Sami Edge, Idaho Education News. 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. Governor promotes 'walk-thru disinfectant cubes', Idaho lieutenant governor got pandemic loans for business, Acting as Idaho Governor, Lt. Gov. And thats whats not fair., Lt. Gov. The contest includes eight candidates, with the top three fundraisers so far being Little, the one-term incumbent and rancher from Emmett; McGeachin, owner of several businesses in Idaho Falls; and newcomer Ed Humphreys, a financial adviser who lives in Eagle. Because of some of the media attacks Ive had recently, I asked him for some advice, McGeachin recalled. McGeachin said she doesnt concern herself with unflattering characterizations, or any of the other things people say about her. The unorthodox move was a big part of why she became a passionate McGeachin supporter, and now helps organize some of her campaign events. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. It is estimated that her net worth is somewhere between $1 million and $3 million. Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin greets Randy and Colleen Crawford, of Caldwell, at a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. 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. 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. We can never give up. McGeachin is advocating for a nationwide audit of each states voter rolls as part of her gubernatorial platform, and also elimination of all mail-in ballots in Idaho elections. To Montana the shot buyer offers to his group of new best friends. Lt. Gov. Since 2016, Beck and his family have donated the second-most money among Idaho residents directly to Trumps campaigns and political action committees, eclipsing $250,000, according to Federal Election Commission records. 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. She committed to tightening voting requirements, protecting individual liberties, eliminating leftist ideology she claimed is being taught in public schools, and ending the barbaric practice of murdering pre-born babies unconditionally, she said. 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. She spoke of a rift between her and her daughter, which she attributes in part to critical race theory teachings at her daughters former college in California. 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. In October of 2021, he died of COVID-19. Sometimes, a contrarian candidate wins in a closed Republican primary. 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. A group of retired Idaho county sheriffs and police say Lt. Gov. 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. 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. Karen McGee is a former Idaho State Board of Education executive director and president. Educated at the University of Arizona, McGeachin owned several businesses in Idaho Falls. 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. [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. The Idaho Capital Sun has filed a public record's request with McGeachin's office. We just like to keep our businesses separate from the politics as much as possible, McGeachin said, picking at her fingernails. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. A member of the Republican Party, she was previously a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 until 2012. 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. Janice McGeachin, 57, received $314,727 through two different PPP loans for J.R. McGeachin Inc in April . 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. He left the school in 2010 and has worked as a teacher and school administrator since, according to his LinkedIn page. Lt. Gov. | Kevin Fixler kfixler@idahostatesman.com. Critics, including State Board President Kurt Liebich say theyve seen little evidence of widespread indoctrination. Liebich doubled down during the task forces second meeting in June, saying he had not seen any evidence of indoctrination in our public education system to date, via a written statement. McGeachin, through a campaign spokesperson, declined a follow-up request from the Statesman for comment about her churchs positions on same-sex marriage and the LGBTQ community. McGeachin attended Skyline High School, home of the Grizzlies, where she followed in her older sisters footsteps and was voted homecoming royalty. "Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a religion of . All three politicos now carry the highly sought-after endorsement of Americas polarizing 45th president. 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. 2023 Idaho Ed News. 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. But, at that time, McGeachin also wasnt known for bucking the rules and norms of government, as shes more closely associated with today. In 2012, she and her family . 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. Janice McGeachin, as Senate president, presides over a session in March. First, in May, she banned mask mandates by state and local authorities while Little was attending a Republican Governors Association conference in Tennessee. poses with protesters in support of standoff prisoner", "McGeachin in statement: 'I wholeheartedly reject bigotry and discrimination', Dangerous Embrace of the Militia Movement, "Marjorie Taylor Greene Speaks At White Nationalist Conference", Idaho Lt. Gov. The departure had nothing to do with his participation on the task force, Moffett told the Idaho State Journal. And this is a manifestation of it in our face. She is the first female lieutenant governor of Idaho. Lt. Gov. McGeachin criticized the governor's coronavirus policies while touting the technology, although a National Institutes of Health study published months earlier determined that the use of "walk-through sanitation gates" was ineffective, possibly dangerous, and violates global health standards. [1] She graduated from Skyline High School in Idaho Falls and earned her B.S. She lost the primary by just 241 votes to one-term Commissioner Lee Staker, a former state senator who went on to serve 18 years in the post. I know she liked to have a good time, said Sen. Jim Patrick, R-Twin Falls, who served three terms with McGeachin in the House and used to rent a place on the same floor of a building three blocks from the Capitol. One more for prosperity.. His research focuses on the politics of families and marriage. We will expand our Second Amendment liberties and secure our state. [86][6], Indoctrination task force and public records violations, COVID-19 pandemic and strained relationship with Governor Brad Little, Last edited on 28 February 2023, at 19:27, 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries, 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries, America First Political Action Conference, misinformation to disparage COVID-19 vaccines, nation's lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates, Texas' attempt to overturn the results of the presidential election, "Republican hopes to ride far-right rage into Idaho's governor's office", "Far-right challengers look to upset the status quo in the Idaho governor's primary", "In Idaho governor's race, a far-right candidate leans into extremism", "Representative Janice K. McGeachin's Biography", 5 things to know about Idaho's 1st female lieutenant governor, McGeachin says business experience will help her in lieutenant governor role, Bonneville County Primary Election, May 23, 2000, Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin, who's running for governor, has thrown some of her political weight into a child welfare case involving a 10-month-old baby. He replaced Knopp, following his withdrawal from the task force. I admit, to a certain extent, it was a little bit surprising, Little told the Statesman during an April phone interview, adding he didnt know why Trump endorsed his chief rival. Pretty soon its just going to be normal and natural to be a pedophile. Janice McGeachin spoke virtually at an event organized by White nationalist Nick Fuentes in Florida at the end of February.. She said she does not dispute that masks are effective in preventing the spread of the virus, particularly N95s and hospital surgical masks. His lieutenant governor took power and banned state vaccine mandates. Ive said many times, Id jump in front of a bus for her, she told the audience at the winery fundraiser. Sonya Harris is a politically active Blackfoot school board trustee. 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. Traditionally the officeholder in the bench-warmer spot has waited until the governor chose to end his run, or transitioned to a federal position. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. But a group of retired police officers and. 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. And I have had two healthy pregnancies, said McGeachin, long a vocal advocate against a womans right to obtain an abortion. She also has sparked controversy over her repeated interactions with fringe, extremist and racist figures. 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. "[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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. After buying and restoring the historic building, the McGeachins are celebrating the pubs 10-year anniversary in 2022. 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. 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. Hes a career firefighter who has also represented his school district in the Idaho School Boards Association. McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[76] and the general election. Regardless, McGeachins faithful following has continued to grow. 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. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Also in 2020, McGeachin appeared in a video montage, along with other Idaho elected officials, posted to YouTube by the Idaho Freedom Foundation. McGeachins office previously said he has worked in school administration and social work. Beck is not sure how McGeachin made the connection to Trump, he said, but she did it all on her own. A cadre of Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group with links to white supremacy, also stalked the grounds. Shortly after, the McGeachins settle up with a crisp $100 bill, and make their exit. Shes a former teacher who staked her campaign, in part, on her objections to Common Core, EastIdahoNews.com reported. 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. [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. McGeachins family businesses, particularly the pub, have become targets for harassment, she said, on account of her political ideology. Its a daily process, she said. In addition, McGeachin threw open the doors of her familys pub in Idaho Falls before the order preventing bars from reopening lapsed. As lieutenant governor, McGeachin aligned herself with Donald Trump and frequently clashed with Little. [6], McGeachin supported Mitt Romney in the 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries[12] and the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries. The residents came together and pulled through, McGeachin said. 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 . I stood with them then, and I stand with them today., Lt. Gov. (VanderSloot and his wife, Belinda, each donated campaign maximums of $5,000 to Little. | 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!. The couple has two children. 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. Idaho Lt. 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. Ive already addressed it, and that story just needs to go away, McGeachin told the Statesman, declining to field questions about her appearance at the conference. [29], In 2021, McGeachin convened an "education indoctrination task force" co-chaired by fellow Republican Priscilla Giddings. 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. 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.