Idaho Reports staff
With the support of his Republican colleagues, Rep. Mike Moyle, R-Star, will be sworn in Thursday as Idaho’s newest Speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives.
Moyle, the long-serving majority leader of the House, is starting his 13th term. He takes the place of former Speaker, now Lieutenant Governor-elect Scott Bedke.
Moyle beat Rep. Jason Monks, R-Meridian. Monks previously served as the assistant majority leader.
The Speaker of the House oversees the House floor and is responsible for appointing House committee chairs and members.
Rep. Megan Blanksma, R-Hammett, is the new majority leader, taking Moyle’s prior seat. She previously served as the majority caucus chair. Blanksma beat Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens.
Rep. Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay, is the new assistant majority leader, taking Monks’ prior seat. Dixon beat Rep. Jon Weber for the post. Rep. Dustin Manwaring, R-Pocatello, is the new caucus chair.
In the Senate, majority leadership remains unchanged, according to Senate Majority Caucus Chairman Mark Harris. Sen. Chuck Winder, R-Boise, will remain president pro tempore. Winder fended off a challenge from Sen. Lori Den Hartog, R-Meridian.
Sen. Abby Lee, R-Fruitland, held her seat as assistant majority leader, defeating challenger Ben Adams, R-Nampa. Adams served one term in the House before running for the Senate this year.
Senate Majority Leader Kelly Anthon, R-Burley, survived a challenge from Sen. Dan Foreman, while Harris, R-Soda Springs, was unchallenged.
House and Senate Democrats elected their leaders during caucus meetings on Tuesday, with Sen. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, taking over as Senate Minority Leader after Sen. Michelle Stennett’s retirement. Read more here.
Idaho Reports will have more on the leadership races on Friday’s show. Idaho Reports airs Fridays at 8 pm on Idaho Public Television.
