2022 Idaho Gubernatorial Election Governor Little Versus Janice McGeachin

Little-McGeachin

Quick Facts

  • The 2022 Idaho gubernatorial election will take place on November 8, 2022, to choose the next governor of Idaho.
  • Incumbent Republican Governor Brad Little, first elected in 2018, is seeking reelection.
  • Republicans have won the prior seven elections.
  • The statewide primary will be held on May 17, 2022.
  • Gov. Brad Little and Janice McGeachin, the state’s current lieutenant governor, have raised the most money and received the most media attention.

Janice McGeachin

Janice McGeachin, the Lieutenant Governor of Idaho — Republican — took office on January 7, 2019. Her term expires on January 2, 2023. She is on the ballot in the Republican primary on May 17, 2022.

McGeachin served in the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 to 2012, representing District 32A. She was also a delegate for Trump at the 2016 Republican National Convention.

Brad Little

The current Governor of Idaho is Republican Brad Little. He was elected to a four-year term in 2019. His current term will conclude on January 2, 2023.

In the 2018 election, Little beat former state representative Paulette E. Jordan (D) by a margin of 22 points. He succeeded three-term Gov. Butch Otter (R).

Little’s political career began when he was appointed to a vacant state senate spot in 2001. He occupied that post until becoming lieutenant governor in 2009, succeeding Jim Risch (R).

The Primary

Ryan Suppe of the Idaho Statesman described Little and McGeachin as follows: “The two former allies… have had a tense relationship in recent years.” The COVID-19 epidemic has exacerbated much of that conflict, which has focused on responses to the pandemic.

According to Clark Corbin of the Idaho Capital Sun: “McGeachin encouraged businesses to violate [Little’s] stay-home public safety order from 2020.”

McGeachin issued two executive orders related to measures surrounding COVID-19 — the first, while Little was at a Republican Governors Association meeting; the second, while Little was at the U.S.-Mexico border:

  • A ban on mask mandates
  • Extending a ban on state agencies requiring vaccination or testing

Little points to his first term, saying it was “marked by historic tax relief, unparalleled red tape reduction, extraordinary economic growth, and unprecedented investments in education.”

Also, from Governor Little:

“During my first term, together, we achieved billions in historic tax relief, record investments in transportation, and continued our strong support for education in Idaho.”

“I am committed to leading Idaho with my goal for Idaho in mind to make Idaho the place where we all can have the opportunity to thrive, where our children and grandchildren choose to stay, and for the ones who have left to choose to return.”

Little has been endorsed by the Idaho Fraternal Order of Police and the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund.

McGeachin claims to be “running for Governor to restore the principles that have Made Idaho Great — individual liberty, state sovereignty, and traditional conservative values.”

She claims to be a “proven conservative leader with an established track record of working with others to promote fiscal responsibility.”

Also, from McGeachin: “President Trump has endorsed my campaign because I stand for America First policies including individual liberty, election integrity, a strong and secure border, school choice, energy independence, reducing taxes and regulations, and supporting American businesses.”

In November 2021, former President Trump (R) endorsed McGeachin.

Candidates also running include:

 

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