Janice McGeachin, 57, received $314,727 through two different PPP loans for J.R. McGeachin Inc in April . ), Beck and his wife, Lynn, each contributed campaign maximums to McGeachin for the primary, according to Idaho secretary of state records, as well as tens of thousands of dollars more to several far-right candidates, political action committees and the Republican National Committee. Malkin has promoted anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric. I thought it was a perfect saying for Janice, because of everything shes going through, and how much everyone makes her something she is not, Hamilton said by phone. | Kevin Fixler, kfixler@idahostatesman.com. 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. We must actively support those with the courage to resist tyranny. 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. Its perhaps a surprise location from which to mount a run for the states highest office. But, then again, McGeachin, 59, is a surprise candidate, having emerged from relative anonymity after years away from public office to win the lieutenant governors race four years ago as an underdog. Educated at the University of Arizona, McGeachin owned several businesses in Idaho Falls. McGeachins tenure in the Legislature included serving as chair of the House Health and Welfare Committee. Idaho is one of 20 U.S. states that has never had a female governor. We need Janice McGeachin. 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. [9][67] In announcing her candidacy, McGeachin attacked public health measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 and said that Idaho should reject federal funding to preserve "state sovereignty," although she did not give details. Lt. Gov. Its not all about I am woman, hear me roar, she said. Idaho Lt. Some lawmakers, including longtime friends, refuse to talk about her, or request to go off the record. Ryan Spoon, who said hes a West Point graduate and father, expressed worry about critical race theory being taught at U.S. military academies. [29], In 2021, McGeachin convened an "education indoctrination task force" co-chaired by fellow Republican Priscilla Giddings. Lt. Gov. 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. [26], In February 2022, McGeachin appeared as a surprise video guest speaker at the America First Political Action Conference, hosted by prominent white nationalist Nick Fuentes. As lieutenant governor, McGeachin aligned herself with Donald Trump and frequently clashed with Little. Idaho Education News Data Analyst Randy Schrader contributed to this report. McGeachin announces indoctrination task force members 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. It remains the only election McGeachin has lost. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. 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. 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. Janice McGeachin, America First Warrior - Facebook 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. McGeachin is asking taxpayers to cover $50,000 worth of her legal costs, Boise State Public Radio reported. Janice McGeachin was asked why she appeared at an event organized - CNN Politics isnt always viewed as a place for girls. 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. 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. The two got more serious when she moved back to their hometown. 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. Janice McGeachin is the lieutenant governor of the State of Idaho. [27][28][29] McGeachin was apparently one of the highest-ranking elected officials to address the far-right conference. I sure hope she becomes our next governor.. [70], McGeachin is part of the far-right wing of the Republican Party. Their son followed three years later. 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. The two positions run for election separately, rather than as a unified ticket. "[34] A civil suit brought against McGeachin by the Idaho Press Club was settled in November 2021, with a court ordered McGeachin to pay the club almost $29,000 in fees and costs. Rogers is outspoken that the 2020 election was stolen, and after making antisemitic statements and calling for the public hanging of political foes in an AFPAC speech was censured by the Arizona Legislature in March. 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. 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. The family who drinks together stays together, right? the bartender says. Idaho taxpayer files complaint over Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin's limited Its pronounced Ma-Gee-in.. [77], McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[78] and for the general election. It is estimated that her net worth is somewhere between $1 million and $3 million. Heres what we know about the members so far: Anna Miller, from the Idaho Freedom Foundation, is an active voice in education policy discussions. Traditionally the officeholder in the bench-warmer spot has waited until the governor chose to end his run, or transitioned to a federal position. In each case, Little returned the next day and rescinded McGeachins order, calling the first instance an irresponsible, self-serving political stunt.. In one recent check-in, McGeachin said, she sought his guidance. 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. Janet Adams is a retired Coeur dAlene lawyer. Pull open the door on a Saturday evening dinner rush at The Celt Pub & Grill in Idaho Falls, and youll find nary a seat, except for maybe one at the bar. McGeachin said she leans on her Presbyterian faith and her trust in God when she encounters obstacles. 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. 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. McGeachin cited Littles handling of the COVID-19 pandemic for prompting her to run now. Just put your head down and keep going. During her segment, she listed Americans inalienable rights while seated in the drivers seat of a truck brandishing a Bible, and then a handgun. Janice McGeachin Biography, Age, Height, Husband, Net Worth, Family Following a stint in Arizona, the family moved to Idaho Falls when she was a child after her father took a job at the Idaho National Laboratory, the nuclear energy research hub run by the federal government. Id say shes more withdrawn today, Winder, who supports Little, told the Statesman. Delivering the phone back to McGeachins daughter, he has some advice. Janice McGeachin announces run for governor Brian Myrick/Idaho Press May 19, 2021 1 of 12 As featured on Lt. Gov. Briefly serving as acting governor, Janice McGeachin issues order [14] McGeachin frequently criticized Little's strategy regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. 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. Janice McGeachin, as Senate president, presides over a session in March. The couple has two children. It now acts as the nerve center for Republican Janice McGeachins upstart political ambitions for governor. Occupying a largely ceremonial role, the lieutenant governor acts as president of the Senate. Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin received over $300k in federal COVID Janice McGeachin speaks during a meet-and-greet campaign fundraiser at a Caldwell-area winery in April. [48], In July 2020, McGeachin condemned federal economic relief granted during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. We still talk, but havent for a while.. But a group of retired police officers and. The Janice McGeachin for governor campaign displays signs and pamphlets that prominently show former President Donald Trumps endorsement. After an onslaught of negative attention tied to the AFPAC event, including calls for her to resign, McGeachin responded by chastising the media a common target of her contempt, including consistent use of the phrase fake news media popularized by Trump. [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. Janice McGeachin facing public condemnation over photo with 3 Percenters", "Idaho Lieutenant Governor Faces Backlash For Photo Supporting Jailed Militiaman", "Idaho Lt. Gov. 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. Ex-Idaho Cops, Sheriffs Oppose McGeachin's Run for Governor She is the first female lieutenant governor of Idaho. Branden Durst hopes to win the May 17 GOP state superintendents primary by running against all things Sherri Ybarra and Debbie Critchfield. [71] Of Idaho's 44 counties, McGeachin carried just four, all in the Idaho Panhandle. Littles staff never returned her umpteen-million phone calls, she said. I believe shes the best person for the job, and the fact that she is a woman is a bonus.. "[25] The Idaho Falls Post Register editorial board criticized McGeachin for embracing the 3 Percenters and militia movement. McGeachin was unopposed for the Republican primary[76] and the general election. "[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. So, how much is Janice McGeachin worth at the age of 59 years old? Idaho Lt. Gov. McGeachin claims the in-house smoked chicken wings are the best in the state. [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. 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. A spokesperson for Little said staff has no record or recollection of Henry contacting the governors office. 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. July fundraising reports will trickle in over the next few days, as candidates report their monthly activity. We can never give up. Reporter Blake Jones covers the politics and policy of Idaho's K-12 public school system. 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. McGeachin was born in southern New Mexico, 35 miles north of the Mexican border, to Allyn and Dorothy Kyes. McGeachin urges Gov. 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. Her participation in that event - which also featured . appears in video slamming virus rules, whether 'a pandemic may or may not be occurring', Idaho Lt. He's a lifelong Idahoan, and holds degrees in Creative Writing and Political Economy from the College of Idaho. She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. The federal government has gotten to be so big and is interfering so much in all of our lives as states. [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. 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. "[32] The president-elect of the Idaho School Boards Association resigned from McGeachin's task force a week after its first meeting, writing that the task force seemed aimed at "partisan campaigning. Around town, its known more colloquially as the Cowboy Church. "[69], In the May 17, 2022 Republican primary election, McGeachin lost to Little. Sometimes, a contrarian candidate wins in a closed Republican primary. 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. What is Janice McGeachin Net Worth? The two got more serious when she moved back to their hometown. Well, whats after that? Janice McGeachin courts Trump, far right in bid for governor | Idaho "[23][24] McGeachin faced public criticism for the photo and quickly deleted it. [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. 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. 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. EastIdahoNews.com, LLC. 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. McGeachins family businesses, particularly the pub, have become targets for harassment, she said, on account of her political ideology. In February, McGeachin made national headlines after she appeared in a recorded video at a right-wing political event founded by a man who has repeatedly made antisemitic statements and is associated with white supremacists, according to a U.S. Department of Justice court filing. Janice McGeachin enters the house chambers at the state Capitol building on Jan. 10, 2022 in Boise, 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. McGeachin not only listened to her and other parents, Henry said, but also their children. She said she does not dispute that masks are effective in preventing the spread of the virus, particularly N95s and hospital surgical masks. 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. Idaho Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder, R-Boise, said McGeachins relationship with Republican leadership has soured during her time as lieutenant governor. They dont know who this is.. Janice McGeachin's association with extreme, anti-law enforcement factions has prompted them to oppose her run for governor. Trump calls her just about every other week to inquire about the campaign, she said. [6], McGeachin supported Mitt Romney in the 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries[12] and the 2012 Republican Party presidential primaries. 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. McGeachin. (UPDATED: Oct. 19, reflecting the death of Pete Coulson from COVID-19.). [36] The legislature declined McGeachin's request to have the costs of the settlement paid by the state budget. | Sarah A. Miller smiller@idahostatesman.com. McGeachin faced no Democratic challenger in the general election in three out of the five races, easily beating her opponent the other two times with more than 71% of the vote. Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin - Vote Team Trump 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. She met her husband, Jimmy McGeachin, while she was in high school and he attended college at the University of Idaho, she said. Beck is not sure how McGeachin made the connection to Trump, he said, but she did it all on her own. The hourlong service mixed prayers, Christian-inspired acoustic country and a weekly poem, all built around Browns sermon. | Kevin Fixler kfixler@idahostatesman.com. Hes my best friend, my strongest supporter, and my partner in life, she said. Online, the church describes its belief that marriage is the exclusive union between one woman and one man. Here's what was inside the McGeachin education task force files "Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a religion of . 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. Follow Blake on Twitter @jonesblakej. 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. 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 "[47][39], In November 2020, McGeachin submitted a proposal to Governor Little's Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee, seeking to spend $17 million in federal COVID-19 aid funds to purchase and operate two "walk-through disinfectant cubes" at the Idaho state Capitol. [31] The Idaho Statesman editorial board described the effort as "a manufactured witch hunt" driven by the "far-right fringe of Idaho's politics. 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. FILE . Those arent the types of invites she gets from her old colleagues anymore. Clearly the campaign believes its an important credential to highlight, she added. But, at that time, McGeachin also wasnt known for bucking the rules and norms of government, as shes more closely associated with today. The residents came together and pulled through, McGeachin said. We will restore health freedom and end the threat of medical tyranny. | Kevin Fixler kfixler@idahostatesman.com. Assorted $1 bills folded into origami shapes, including hearts and bow ties, decorate the side of a Jameson Irish Whiskey mirror above the bar. [45] In a May 2020 editorial, McGeachin wrote that, "I lose sleep at night because the heavy hand of our government is hurting so many Idahoans. 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. Janice McGeachin: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know | Heavy.com [66], In May 2021, McGeachin filed as a candidate seeking election as governor of Idaho in 2022, challenging incumbent governor Brad Little in the Republican primary. She is from NM. "[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. [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. Governor promotes 'walk-thru disinfectant cubes', Idaho lieutenant governor got pandemic loans for business, Acting as Idaho Governor, Lt. Gov. Sex with animals.. 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. [85] She announced on February 24, 2012, that she would not be seeking re-election. 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. The McGeachins are known for frequenting their pub. Lt. Gov. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. [22] For the caption, she wrote "Sending love to Todd Engel from the Idaho Capital and 'getting to know' the new Senate Pages. All Rights Reserved. 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. In 2012, she and her family . Lt. Gov. Colleagues recognized her as a member of the more conservative wing of the Republican Party, sponsoring anti-abortion bills and stridently opposing the Affordable Care Act, passed under Democratic President Barack Obama. Brian Myrick / Idaho Press. 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 does not cave with pressure, and stands up for what she believes, Hamilton told the Statesman in a phone interview. Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin launches bid for governor, challenging . (VanderSloot and his wife, Belinda, each donated campaign maximums of $5,000 to Little.