She said she does not dispute that masks are effective in preventing the spread of the virus, particularly N95s and hospital surgical masks. | Kevin Fixler, kfixler@idahostatesman.com. Her husband is Jim McGeachin Janice McGeachin Net Worth Her net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. McGeachin urges Gov. Previously unidentified, five other task force members introduced themselves at the task forces inaugural meeting. 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. [40][46] At the rally, McGeachin criticized Little and other state officials. [77], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[78] and for the general election. Janice McGeachin (then Kyes), lower right, appears in her sophomore year portrait in the 1979 yearbook for Skyline High School, located in Idaho Falls. His actions were stepping over into a different branch of governments purview, and thats pretty serious to me.. Lt. Gov. The Janice McGeachin for governor campaign displays signs and pamphlets that prominently show former President Donald Trumps endorsement. 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. But in some legislative races, outside political groups might have played a bigger and more far-reaching role. Sami Edge/Idaho Education News (UPDATED: Oct. 19, reflecting the death of Pete Coulson from COVID-19.) [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. Traditionally the officeholder in the bench-warmer spot has waited until the governor chose to end his run, or transitioned to a federal position. [9] Trump endorsed McGeachin's candidacy. It makes us feel happy that they want to continue to be part of our companies and continue to stay in our community.. "[43] By July 2020, after the state's economy had reopened, Idaho saw a spike in coronavirus cases. [85] She announced on February 24, 2012, that she would not be seeking re-election. Janice McGeachin attends a rally to support semi-truckers and protest against COVID-19 vaccination mandates for employment held in Boise in March. Sami Edge/Idaho Education News A day after announcing she will run for governor in 2022, Lt. Gov. [55] A surge in COVID-19 cases first strained, and then surpassed, the capacity of the state's health care system. 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. But a group of retired police officers and. 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. Educated at the University of Arizona, McGeachin owned several businesses in Idaho Falls. Online, the church describes its belief that marriage is the exclusive union between one woman and one man. The hourlong service mixed prayers, Christian-inspired acoustic country and a weekly poem, all built around Browns sermon. McGeachin now appears to be following the same political formula that led to Trumps rapid rise, Thompson said, including his defeat of President Joe Biden in Idaho in 2020 by nearly 31 percentage points, despite losing the national election. Shes touted her business acumen as a reason why shes qualified, said David Roth, former chair of the Bonneville County Democratic Party, now running to challenge U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, in November. [40][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. 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. Hamilton, however, prefers to keep the focus of McGeachins candidacy on her credentials. And Idaho will reduce its financial dependency on the federal government, she said, building to a crescendo. Reporter Blake Jones covers the politics and policy of Idaho's K-12 public school system. [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. The residents came together and pulled through, McGeachin said. 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. All three politicos now carry the highly sought-after endorsement of Americas polarizing 45th president. 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. Janice McGeachin is a well-known figure in the United States. "Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a religion of . 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. Idaho Lt. Gov. 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. A representative from the Idaho School Boards Association, ISBA President-elect Jason Knopp, withdrew from the task force after its first meeting, objecting to its lack of education professionals. After the task force completed its summer meetings, Knopps replacement died of COVID-19. In each case, Little returned the next day and rescinded McGeachins order, calling the first instance an irresponsible, self-serving political stunt.. 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. Sometimes, a contrarian candidate wins in a closed Republican primary. 2015 - 2023 | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Janice McGeachin's association with extreme, anti-law enforcement factions has prompted them to oppose her run for governor. When they passed gay marriage, they opened Pandoras box. Her participation in that event - which also featured . [29], In 2021, McGeachin convened an "education indoctrination task force" co-chaired by fellow Republican Priscilla Giddings. [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. Governor Janice McGeachin posed with and then posted on Facebook pictures she had taken with two members of The Three Percenters. 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. This is our country, and were going to take it back! Rogers shouted to the crowd. But shes a hard worker for what we stand for maintaining our republic. Grace Panetta and Nicole Gaudiano May 17, 2022, 8:00 PM - Idaho Lt. Gov. 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. The couple has two children. FILE . 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. 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. We are in a Marxist takeover, a communist takeover (in) this country. The unorthodox move was a big part of why she became a passionate McGeachin supporter, and now helps organize some of her campaign events. 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. Sonya Harris is a politically active Blackfoot school board trustee. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. "[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. She also has sparked controversy over her repeated interactions with fringe, extremist and racist figures. Since winning the lieutenant governors office, McGeachin has regularly garnered the spotlight for her combative relationship with Little. 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. In October of 2021, he died of COVID-19. Idaho Lt. Gov. Pete Coulson worked as a coach and counselor for children. 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. 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. Today, hers is a household name throughout Idaho, even if many people are still unsure how to say it. Sex with animals.. She unsuccessfully challenged Little in the Republican primary for governor in the 2022 election. "[23][24] McGeachin faced public criticism for the photo and quickly deleted it. [71] Of Idaho's 44 counties, McGeachin carried just four, all in the Idaho Panhandle. She does not cave with pressure, and stands up for what she believes, Hamilton told the Statesman in a phone interview. 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. Brad Little wins GOP primary over Trump's pick, Lt. Gov. 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. It is estimated that her net worth is somewhere between $1 million and $3 million. After years in the local Rotary Club and Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, McGeachin made her first run at elected office in 2000, in the Republican primary for Bonneville County commissioner. | Kevin Fixler kfixler@idahostatesman.com. "[33], In August 2021, a state judge fined McGeachin $750 for violating the Idaho Public Records Act by failing to turn over documents requested by the Idaho Press Club. 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. She also inquired with the Idaho National Guard about ordering troops to the U.S.-Mexico border that Little was visiting. Id say shes more withdrawn today, Winder, who supports Little, told the Statesman. Governor promotes 'walk-thru disinfectant cubes', Idaho lieutenant governor got pandemic loans for business, Acting as Idaho Governor, Lt. Gov. It didn't last, Republican infighting in Idaho over the coronavirus has reached a new low, Low Turnout For COVID-19 Skeptic Rally Headlined By Idaho Lieutenant Governor, 'Loss of hope': Idaho hospitals crushed by COVID-19 surge, Gov. 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. [22] She opposes abortion, same-sex marriage, and gun control. The two got more serious when she moved back to their hometown. Henry said she was also a supporter of the task force McGeachin launched last spring when she thrust herself and the state into the fray of national turmoil over the content taught in public schools. [6], McGeachin supported Mitt Romney in the 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries[12] and the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries. We will restore health freedom and end the threat of medical tyranny. 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. 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. 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. McGeachin has been married to Jim McGeachin for quite some time. A spokesperson for Little said staff has no record or recollection of Henry contacting the governors office. A cadre of Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group with links to white supremacy, also stalked the grounds. 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. [22] For the caption, she wrote "Sending love to Todd Engel from the Idaho Capital and 'getting to know' the new Senate Pages. Janice McGeachin launches bid for governor, challenging. Janice McGeachin in her bid for governor, held May 4 at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian. She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. Janice McGeachin embraces Rep. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton, before giving her remarks on Wednesday (Kelcie Moseley-Morris/Idaho Capital Sun). [64][65] Legal experts dismissed the suit as meritless,[65] and it was rejected by the Supreme Court. The Republican lieutenant governors candidate backed out after debate organizers would not give her an advance list of reporters on the panel. 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. [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. [42] During the pandemic, McGeachin repeatedly criticized Little for taking steps (such as closing physical businesses) to prevent the spread of the disease. McGeachin and Cawthorn fell on Tuesday. 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. His research focuses on the politics of families and marriage. 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. 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). 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. Around town, its known more colloquially as the Cowboy Church. [59][73] She appeared at a rally for the Three Percenters, an anti-government militia movement group. 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. [72] She concluded her term as lieutenant governor on January 2, 2023. About . 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. McGeachin claims the in-house smoked chicken wings are the best in the state. July fundraising reports will trickle in over the next few days, as candidates report their monthly activity. President, how do you deal with some of this stuff when you were kind of under fire? He said: Never back down. . Late last week, Idaho Lt. 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. McGeachins office previously said he has worked in school administration and social work. 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. The judge found that McGeachin acted "in bad faith" and that "It appears to the court that respondent would stop at nothing, no matter how misguided, to shield public records from the public. Janice McGeachin facing public condemnation over photo with 3 Percenters", "Idaho Lieutenant Governor Faces Backlash For Photo Supporting Jailed Militiaman", "Idaho Lt. Gov. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. 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. As a result of many of her more controversial decisions, McGeachin has become a third rail of Idaho politics. Theres no future for them, and I mean that wholeheartedly., Lt. Gov. 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. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Little Says He Hasn't Spoken To Lt. Gov McGeachin In Weeks, Cases of coronavirus in Idaho spike after businesses reopen, Lt. Gov. 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. 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. 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. James Wilson first appeared through internet searches to be a controversial North Idaho evangelist who authored a book applying tenets of warfare to strategic evangelism, but he is not, McGeachins chief of staff Jordan Watters wrote by email May 27. 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. "[69], In the May 17, 2022 Republican primary election, McGeachin lost to Little. Thats where the battle is going to be, and thats why Im running for governor.. "[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. One more for prosperity.. She went on to defeat Democratic candidate Kristin Collum in the general election with nearly 60% of votes. McGeachin lists the First Presbyterian Church of Idaho Falls on her campaign website, but said she hasnt regularly attended the church for a couple years. Regardless, McGeachins faithful following has continued to grow. I sure hope she becomes our next governor.. Amid a deluge of partisan cheerleading, anti-LGBTQ speech and Trump worship from invited speakers, Idahos lieutenant governor took hold of the mic. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. It worked, despite Littles own past support for Trump. "[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. 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. 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. We can never give up. Janice McGeachin, take questions during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. His lieutenant governor took power and banned state vaccine mandates.