No big surprises came out of the Idaho Legislature’s organizational session. Lstayed mostly the same, but with big consequences for challengers.
Every two years, state lawmakers gather to elect the top officials in the House and Senate, as well as hash out who will be on which committees.
This year, lawmakers from the right-wing of the House Republican caucus tried to overtake existing leadership – all of whom ran for re-election – but the insurgency failed.
As a consequence, Rep. Wendy Horman (R-Idaho Falls), who challenged House Speaker Scott Bedke (R-Oakley), lost her vice-chair position on the influential Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee, or JFAC.
Rep. Judy Boyle (R-Midvale) is no longer chair of the agriculture committee after losing her bid to unseat House Majority Leader Mike Moyle (R-Star).
In the Senate, Chuck Winder (R-Boise) won his race to replace retiring Pro Tem Brent Hill (R-Rexburg). Sen. Dan Johnson (R-Lewiston) challenged him, losing his vice-chair position on JFAC as well.
Lawmakers are set to gavel into session Jan. 11.
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