By Melissa Davlin, Idaho Reports
Lawmakers have elected their leaders for the next two years.
Every member of the House majority leadership team survived challenges. House Speaker Scott Bedke, who was first elected speaker in December 2012, fended off Rep. Wendy Horman for the position. Majority Leader Mike Moyle, who has held the position since 2006, won against Rep. Judy Boyle. House Assistant Majority Leader Jason Monks beat Rep. Vito Barbieri, and Majority Caucus Chair Megan Blanksma beat Rep. Dorothy Moon. Both Monks and Blanksma were first elected to their leadership roles in December 2018.
House Democrats have two new leaders: Rep. Lauren Necochea beat incumbent House Assistant Minority Leader John McCrostie, while Rep. Sally Toone ran unopposed for House Minority Caucus Chair. Minority Leader Ilana Rubel was unchallenged.
Across the rotunda, Senate Republicans elected Sen. Chuck Winder as Senate President Pro Tem. He faced Sen. Dan Johnson for the open position, according to Betsy Russell of the Idaho Press. Russell reports that Sen. Abby Lee is the new Senate Assistant Majority Leader, beating Sen. Lori Den Hartog for the open position. Sen. Kelly Anthon was unopposed for Senate Majority Leader, and Sen. Mark Harris was unopposed for Majority Caucus Chair.
Senate Democrats elected Sen. Michelle Stennett as Minority Leader, Sen. Grant Burgoyne as Assistant Minority Leader, and Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking as Minority Caucus Chair. All three were unopposed.
Over the next two days, leadership will assign lawmakers to legislative committees. Idaho Reports will cover those assignments, and explore the implications on upcoming policy discussions on this Friday’s Idaho Reports.
Melissa Davlin | Host, Lead Producer
Melissa Davlin is the lead producer and host of Idaho Reports. She has covered the Idaho Legislature since 2012. She also produces for Outdoor Idaho and Idaho Experience. Melissa serves as the president of the Idaho Press Club. She has won multiple awards for her work, including a regional Emmy for her documentary on Chinese immigration in Idaho, Idaho Press Club broadcast reporter of the year for 2015 and 2019, the Idaho Press Club First Amendment Award, the University of Idaho Silver and Gold Alumni Award, and the 2019 Boise State University Enhancing Public Discourse award. She lives in Boise with her husband and children.