Janice McGeachin does not do that.. Janice McGeachin's association with extreme, anti-law enforcement factions has prompted them to oppose her run for governor. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Governor to serve the state of Idaho. "[69], In the May 17, 2022 Republican primary election, McGeachin lost to Little. McGeachin on Fauci: I'll "lock him up", "Idaho Gov. My disagreements with his decisions of shutting businesses down and managing the pandemic grew, McGeachin said. The two positions run for election separately, rather than as a unified ticket. Reporter Blake Jones covers the politics and policy of Idaho's K-12 public school system. 2023 Idaho Ed News. [72] She concluded her term as lieutenant governor on January 2, 2023. 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. Jason Knopp is the vice chairman of the Melba School Districts board. "[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. McGeachins office previously said he has worked in school administration and social work. In recent months, she has testified in favor of policies targeting critical race theory and social justice in the classroom, at one point saying a controversial bill dealing with critical race theory did not go far enough to oust the content from public schools. Idaho Statesman reporters Ian Max Stevenson and Ryan Suppe contributed. 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. [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. [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. Karen McGee is a former Idaho State Board of Education executive director and president. 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. [30][31] Committee members discussed proposals to abolish the Idaho State Board of Education. Shortly after, the McGeachins settle up with a crisp $100 bill, and make their exit. 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.. In October of 2021, he died of COVID-19. He holds a Ph.D. in political science from Loyola University in Chicago. [1], McGeachin has had a number of business ventures. McGeachin was born in southern New Mexico, 35 miles north of the Mexican border, to Allyn and Dorothy Kyes. [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. Previously unidentified, five other task force members introduced themselves at the task forces inaugural meeting. McGeachin has been married to Jim McGeachin for quite some time. 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. | Sami Edge, Idaho Education News. Janice McGeachin fined $750 over public record violations, Lt. Gov. 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. 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. She argued, however, that her actions did not violate the governors restrictions, because her pub also includes a restaurant. All Rights Reserved. FILE . You know, Mr. [58] McGeachin also opposes vaccine mandates. Idaho already would ban abortion if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the precedent-setting case of Roe v. Wade. The hourlong service mixed prayers, Christian-inspired acoustic country and a weekly poem, all built around Browns sermon. Excuse me, I really like what youre doing here, he says, to which she thanks him, and chats for a moment. "[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. 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. McGeachin named Margaret Thatcher, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom, and former Republican U.S. Rep. Helen Chenoweth-Hage, of Idaho, as two women she admires. 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. 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. Online, the church describes its belief that marriage is the exclusive union between one woman and one man. She is from NM. We must actively support those with the courage to resist tyranny. 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. [80] She won the general election with 71.19% of the vote against Democratic nominee Scott Cannon. (VanderSloot and his wife, Belinda, each donated campaign maximums of $5,000 to 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. (We) broke the glass ceiling, and were going to break another glass ceiling., Lt. Gov. Where men are men, and sheep are scared! Jimmy McGeachin belts back, a joke about bestiality. Her candidacy was supported by state Senator Dean Mortimer. Malkin has promoted anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric. Brad Little wins GOP primary over Trump's pick, Lt. Gov. The departure had nothing to do with his participation on the task force, Moffett told the Idaho State Journal. 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. [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. 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. [41], In May 2020, Little said he had not spoken to McGeachin in weeks. After buying and restoring the historic building, the McGeachins are celebrating the pubs 10-year anniversary in 2022. Professor Scott Yenor is a professor of political philosophy at Boise State University. A spokesperson for Little said staff has no record or recollection of Henry contacting the governors office. [5] 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. PHOTOS: Lt. Gov. 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. Today, hers is a household name throughout Idaho, even if many people are still unsure how to say it. 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. What is Janice McGeachin Net Worth? 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. 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. in finance and accounting from the University of Arizona. He can be reached by email at [emailprotected]. McGeachin has the endorsement, which is something she has really highlighted in her campaign materials. His lieutenant governor took power and banned state vaccine mandates. [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. A group of retired Idaho county sheriffs and police say 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. A member of the Republican Party, she was previously a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 until 2012.[5]. 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. Lt. Gov. Politics isnt always viewed as a place for girls. [9] Trump endorsed McGeachin's candidacy. 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. No matter how much people are trying to tear her down, she just has an ability to ignore it and move on with what she feels is right., Machele Hamilton, left, a House District 12 Republican primary candidate, and Lt. Gov. His actions were stepping over into a different branch of governments purview, and thats pretty serious to me.. And Idaho will reduce its financial dependency on the federal government, she said, building to a crescendo. 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 . [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. 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. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. 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. COEUR d'ALENE With an American flag and two crosses in the background at Candlelight Christian Fellowship, Lt. Gov. 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.. Janice McGeachin, 57, received $314,727 through two different PPP loans for J.R. McGeachin Inc in April . [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. | 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!. He replaced Knopp, following his withdrawal from the task force. Hamilton, however, prefers to keep the focus of McGeachins candidacy on her credentials. McGeachins push to become Idahos lead executive is her second campaign for statewide office after a narrow margin of victory in 2018s Republican primary for lieutenant governor. [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. July fundraising reports will trickle in over the next few days, as candidates report their monthly activity. 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. 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. The McGeachins two adult children run an Irish pub the family owns in a historic building they restored in downtown Idaho Falls. 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. . A member of the Republican Party, she was previously a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 until 2012. McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[76] and the general election. [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. Janice McGeachin is the first female Lt. [73], McGeachin and Republican Representative Larry C. Bradford were re-districted to 31A. Idaho 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. [77], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[78] and for the general election. But the media likes to continue to try to destroy my character and my reputation, and, I dont know, it may be in an effort for us to maybe back down. 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. 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. 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. May 27, 2021 Lt. Gov. 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. We will restore health freedom and end the threat of medical tyranny. McGeachin was born Janice Kyes on January 18, 1963, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. 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. Beck is not sure how McGeachin made the connection to Trump, he said, but she did it all on her own. And this is a manifestation of it in our face. [22] For the caption, she wrote "Sending love to Todd Engel from the Idaho Capital and 'getting to know' the new Senate Pages. This group is described by Steve Taggart in his most recent Idaho Politics Weekly post as "wacky and extremist at best." It remains the only election McGeachin has lost. In the past, shes advocated for a sex education opt-in bill and has decried Common Core standards, at one point saying curriculum and textbook providers use Common Core to recommend pornographic books for use in schools, EdNews previously reported. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.