When I am struggling, I know where I need to go to get strength, wisdom, encouragement. Janice McGeachin at a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. After buying and restoring the historic building, the McGeachins are celebrating the pubs 10-year anniversary in 2022. 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. She went on to defeat Democratic candidate Kristin Collum in the general election with nearly 60% of votes. Janice McGeachin said Wednesday she was running for governor of Idaho . 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. [14] McGeachin frequently criticized Little's strategy regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. appears in video slamming virus rules, whether 'a pandemic may or may not be occurring', Idaho Lt. The pastor of the Cowboy Church, Scotty Brown, looks the part. Who is Janice McGeachin Husband? 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. 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. [71] Of Idaho's 44 counties, McGeachin carried just four, all in the Idaho Panhandle. Ryan Spoon, who said hes a West Point graduate and father, expressed worry about critical race theory being taught at U.S. military academies. 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. 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. Its in our homes, she said. In each case, Little returned the next day and rescinded McGeachins order, calling the first instance an irresponsible, self-serving political stunt.. We can never give up. in finance and accounting from the University of Arizona. 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. Reporter Blake Jones covers the politics and policy of Idaho's K-12 public school system. 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. Former U.S. Attorney General William Barr, whom Trump handpicked, has said of the presidents election allegations: It was all bullst.. Members continue to include an Idaho Freedom Foundation employee and a charter school leader who pushed to use the Bible in public schools. 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. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. We will restore health freedom and end the threat of medical tyranny. [38] In July 2021, when Little was out of state on a different trip, McGeachin wrote a letter to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, demanding information on what incentives Idaho healthcare providers may have "to impose vaccine mandates on their employees. Some lawmakers, including longtime friends, refuse to talk about her, or request to go off the record. Unseating an incumbent is no easy task, and McGeachin is up against an opponent in Little who has fundraised more than $2 million, or roughly triple her donation haul, according to Idaho secretary of state records. Janice McGeachin announces run for Idaho governor, "GOP leaders in Idaho have ties to extremist movement", Idaho healthcare leaders plead for coronavirus mask mandate, Idaho's Anti-Lockdown Lieutenant Governor Has Gone Rogue, "Republican National Convention approaches", "2 more candidates to run for Idaho lieutenant governor", "Janice McGeachin announces Lt. [80] She won the general election with 71.19% of the vote against Democratic nominee Scott Cannon. May 27, 2021 Lt. Gov. Shortly after, the McGeachins settle up with a crisp $100 bill, and make their exit. Beck is not sure how McGeachin made the connection to Trump, he said, but she did it all on her own. 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. 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. 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. The Republican is the first sitting governor in more than 30 years to refuse to take part in the Idaho Debates, which air statewide on Idaho Public Television. 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. Idaho Lt. The two got more serious when she moved back to their hometown. 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. McGeachin on Fauci: I'll "lock him up", "Idaho Gov. A month later, she administered an oath to members of the Real Three Percent of Idaho, including Eric Parker, the groups leader, who said she once told him if she were elected, he would have a friend in the governors office. Parker endorsed McGeachin for governor last year. Lt. Gov. Fundraising allowed some successful statewide candidates to dominate the airwaves. "[43] By July 2020, after the state's economy had reopened, Idaho saw a spike in coronavirus cases. She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. Inscribed with the words, Slay Girl Slayyy, the oblong, aluminum pendant was a birthday gift from Hamilton, her friend and a Republican candidate for state House District 12 in Nampa. She entered politics in 2002 when elected to a seat in the state house. The McGeachins two adult children run an Irish pub the family owns in a historic building they restored in downtown Idaho Falls. The McGeachins are known for frequenting their pub. A member of the Republican Party, she was previously a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 until 2012.[5]. 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. She was elected lieutenant governor in the 2018 election, to serve with the governor, Brad Little. 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. Suddenly, the bartender is zipping through the aisle asking those seated if they would like a shot. 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. 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. 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. Clearly the campaign believes its an important credential to highlight, she added. 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. Hes my best friend, my strongest supporter, and my partner in life, she said. The McGeachins had their first child, a daughter, the year after they married. A group of retired Idaho county sheriffs and police say Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin announces run for governor Brian Myrick/Idaho Press May 19, 2021 1 of 12 As featured on Lt. Gov. The family who drinks together stays together, right? the bartender says. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. 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.. Littles staff never returned her umpteen-million phone calls, she said. McGeachin remembers the city back then as a great place to grow up a small and supportive community. McGeachin attended Skyline High School, home of the Grizzlies, where she followed in her older sisters footsteps and was voted homecoming royalty. Sami Edge/Idaho Education News A day after announcing she will run for governor in 2022, Lt. Gov. I sure hope she becomes our next governor.. [29], In 2021, McGeachin convened an "education indoctrination task force" co-chaired by fellow Republican Priscilla Giddings. Henry then met McGeachin during a rally against requiring schoolchildren to wear masks in the classroom held on the Capitol steps, and explained her familys traumatic experience. Lt. Gov. 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. 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. Its not enough to just silently nod along, McGeachin told rallygoers. 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. Janet Adams is a retired Coeur dAlene lawyer. COEUR d'ALENE With an American flag and two crosses in the background at Candlelight Christian Fellowship, Lt. Gov. She also inquired with the Idaho National Guard about ordering troops to the U.S.-Mexico border that Little was visiting. 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. Trump calls her just about every other week to inquire about the campaign, she said. But I think its important that we stand strong.. Henry, who founded a conservative activist group that she calls Parents for Freedom and Liberty, has since gone all-in on McGeachins run for governor. Janice McGeachin is a well-known figure in the United States. 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. 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. Since winning the lieutenant governors office, McGeachin has regularly garnered the spotlight for her combative relationship with Little. My disagreements with his decisions of shutting businesses down and managing the pandemic grew, McGeachin said. Janice McGeachin (then Kyes), lower right, appears in her sophomore year portrait in the 1979 yearbook for Skyline High School, located in Idaho Falls. Heres what we know about the members so far: Anna Miller, from the Idaho Freedom Foundation, is an active voice in education policy discussions. 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. 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 . 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. BOISE (Idaho Statesman) Idaho Lt. Gov. It remains the only election McGeachin has lost. The soup of the day is beef taco, and the $5 drink special is a melon berry ros sangria. 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. 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. Governor promotes 'walk-thru disinfectant cubes', Idaho lieutenant governor got pandemic loans for business, Acting as Idaho Governor, Lt. Gov. 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. Branden Durst hopes to win the May 17 GOP state superintendents primary by running against all things Sherri Ybarra and Debbie Critchfield. [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. 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. Throwing her hat in the ring for governor, McGeachin appealed to Trump for his endorsement over Little. Their son followed three years later. [81], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary. 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 cited Littles handling of the COVID-19 pandemic for prompting her to run now. Two weeks before Idahos primary election, McGeachin stepped onto an outdoor stage on a Wednesday evening in front of a crowd of more than 1,000 people gathered at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian for a rally in her honor. Each was the first woman to serve in their positions, too, and she credited them both for their fearlessness and no-nonsense approach to politics. Sometimes, a contrarian candidate wins in a closed Republican primary. And this is a manifestation of it in our face. [27][28][29] McGeachin was apparently one of the highest-ranking elected officials to address the far-right conference. Beck, who also has penned several newspaper op-eds defending McGeachin, told the Statesman he backs her because shes honest, transparent and conservative.. We need you, youre a fighter, she said, spurring McGeachin to dash on stage to embrace her booster. Politics isnt always viewed as a place for girls. Theres no future for them, and I mean that wholeheartedly., Lt. Gov. McGeachin and her husband also own and operate an auto parts distribution center, a machine shop and two transmission repair shops. 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. Its just about all women supporting each other, McGeachin said. 3-2-1, he says, tapping the phones touch-screen shutter. Its pronounced Ma-Gee-in.. 2015 - 2023 The two positions run for election separately, rather than as a unified ticket. 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. The Republican lieutenant governors candidate backed out after debate organizers would not give her an advance list of reporters on the panel. 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. He replaced Knopp, following his withdrawal from the task force. She was inspired to enter the race to help address the communitys rapid growth, and what she felt was a lack of planning to go with it, McGeachin recalled. Ive been pregnant twice. "[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. Shes a former teacher who staked her campaign, in part, on her objections to Common Core, EastIdahoNews.com reported. Lt. Gov. [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. She committed, however, to accepting the results of the states May primary, believing voting irregularities in Idaho where Trump won big were not large scale. [63], In December 2020, the month after Donald Trump lost the presidential election to Joe Biden, McGeachin, along with Little, Idaho's two Republican U.S. House members, and other Idaho Republican election officials, signed on to an amicus brief supporting Texas' attempt to overturn the results of the presidential election by rejecting millions of votes in four key states won by Biden. Janice McGeachin's income source is mostly from being a successful Politician. Another source of inspiration for McGeachin can frequently be found hanging around her neck. Janice McGeachin Thursday unveiled the membership list of her new "Task Force to Examine . Ive made my statements about who I am and what I believe in, McGeachin told the Idaho Statesman in a sit-down interview. 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. 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 federal government has become too restrictive in how we teach our kids, manage health care, build our roads and manage our resources." 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. 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. It worked, despite Littles own past support for Trump. [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. Those arent the types of invites she gets from her old colleagues anymore. 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. Professor Scott Yenor is a professor of political philosophy at Boise State University. [77], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[78] and for the general election. 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. About halfway through, he reminded attendees about various forms of sin in the eyes of God. The Janice McGeachin for governor campaign displays signs and pamphlets that prominently show former President Donald Trumps endorsement. 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. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. We just like to keep our businesses separate from the politics as much as possible, McGeachin said, picking at her fingernails. Idaho Lt. Gov. Jason Knopp is the vice chairman of the Melba School Districts board. Karen McGee is a former Idaho State Board of Education executive director and president. | Kevin Fixler, kfixler@idahostatesman.com. The committee was premised on the notion that "the scourge of critical race theory, socialism, communism, and Marxism" was "infiltrating" the Idaho school and college system. We still talk, but havent for a while.. Its perhaps a surprise location from which to mount a run for the states highest office. His lieutenant governor took power and banned state vaccine mandates. 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. But, at that time, McGeachin also wasnt known for bucking the rules and norms of government, as shes more closely associated with today. McGeachin was born Janice Kyes on January 18, 1963, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. 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. In one recent check-in, McGeachin said, she sought his guidance. Lt. Gov. 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. 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. [41], In May 2020, Little said he had not spoken to McGeachin in weeks. 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. [6][7], McGeachin unsuccessfully ran for Bonneville County commissioner in 2000, her first bid for elected office. [31] The Idaho Statesman editorial board described the effort as "a manufactured witch hunt" driven by the "far-right fringe of Idaho's politics. [6], McGeachin supported Mitt Romney in the 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries[12] and the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries. [40][46] At the rally, McGeachin criticized Little and other state officials. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. 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. Id say shes more withdrawn today, Winder, who supports Little, told the Statesman. Janice McGeachin speaks during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. 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. FILE . After that, she ran unopposed five times in the Republican primary for a state House seat representing Idaho Falls, from 2002 to 2012. 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. Idaho attorney general won't support it", "Supreme Court rejects Republican attack on Biden victory", McGeachin becomes 7th candidate to file preliminary paperwork for run for governor in 2022, "Donald Trump endorses McGeachin for Idaho governor", Lt. Gov. McGeachins family businesses, particularly the pub, have become targets for harassment, she said, on account of her political ideology. Late last week, Idaho Lt. Idaho is one of 20 U.S. states that has never had a female governor. [14][15][16][17], In April 2017, McGeachin filed to run for lieutenant governor of Idaho. "Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a religion of . He can be reached by email at [emailprotected]. 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. Lt. Gov. 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. 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. [58][52], In October 2021, while Little was out of state touring the Southern border, McGeachin, claiming power as acting governor in Little's absence, issued an executive order banning state officials from requiring proof of vaccination from employees and sought to ban employers from requiring vaccinations altogether. This is our country, and were going to take it back! Rogers shouted to the crowd. Because sin is progressive, right? Brown told the congregation. She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. [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. In October of 2021, he died of COVID-19. He's a lifelong Idahoan, and holds degrees in Creative Writing and Political Economy from the College of Idaho. We are in a Marxist takeover, a communist takeover (in) this country. | 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!. Conservative Republican & Principled America First Warrior who always stands up for individual rights
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