Idaho Lieutenant Governor Signs Statewide Mask Mandate Ban as ‘Acting Governor’ While Governor Brad Little is Out of State

While Governor of Idaho, Brad Little was out of town, Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin slyly issued an executive order banning all masks mandates in the state. Little, a Republican, has faced scrutiny by Conservative constituents due to accusations that he is a RINO and hasn’t done enough to end mask mandates across various counties and cities. McGeachin must have held a similar sentiment because she produced her executive order on Thursday, without informing Little of her plan. McGeachin announced her executive order on Twitter.

Today, as acting Governor of the State of Idaho, I signed an Executive Order to protect the rights and liberties of individuals and businesses by prohibiting the state and its political subdivisions — including public schools — from imposing mask mandates in our state. #idpol pic.twitter.com/Nmb6DX9v6X

— Janice McGeachin (@JaniceMcGeachin) May 27, 2021

Governor Little was out of the state at the Republican Governors Association conference in TN. Little was expected to be back in Idaho yesterday afternoon, but McGeachin’s executive order was signed by the Secretary of State and put into effect at 11:00 AM yesterday morning. Little never actually implemented a statewide mask mandate but many individual cities and counties have had mandates in place. A spokesperson for Governor Little told the Idaho Statesman that, “the Lt. Gov. did not make Governor Little aware of her executive order ahead of time.”

Little sent an official statement on the matter to KTVB news: “Governor Little has been out of state this week collaborating with other Republican governors, and the Lt. Governor did not make Governor Little aware of her executive order ahead of time. He is expected to return to Idaho tonight. The Governor’s Office is reviewing the Lt. Governor’s executive order. Governor Little has never put in place a statewide mask mandate. Throughout the pandemic, Governor Little has been committed to protecting the health and safety of the people of Idaho and has emphasized the importance of Idahoans choosing to protect our neighbors and loved ones and keeping our economy and schools open. Idahoans value local control and the local approach to addressing important issues. An expanded statement from the Governor’s Office on the Lt. Governor’s executive order will be made available after a more thorough review of this executive action.”

It is possible that Governor Little could reverse McGeachin’s order when he returns as acting governor.

Just last week, McGeachin announced her plans for a gubernational campaign at a rally in Boise. McGeachin vocally criticized Little’s leadership, especially how he has handled the coronavirus pandemic. “What we have seen over the past year is unacceptable,” McGeachin said Wednesday. “The violations of our individual rights, our state sovereignty and our traditional conservative values are intolerable. I refuse to stand by and allow these abuses to go unchallenged.” Governor Little has not announced his decision on if he plans to run for re-election. Another opponent that Little would have to face in a re-election race would be Ed Humphreys.

Humphreys is unlike Little or McGeachin in certain aspects. Humphreys is a staunch Trump supporter, against the legalization of recreational marijuana and also boldly speaks of what he believes is a growing presence of anti-White racism in America.

Humphreys told Media Right News, that he is considering taking a concrete stance against the refugee resettlement program in Idaho, at least temporarily. From an immigrant background himself, Humphreys believes it’s very important that all immigrants hold a willingness and desire to assimilate to American culture. More information on Humphreys campaign and platform can be found on his Facebook.

Stay tuned to Media Right News for more updates.