By Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports
Rep. Mike Moyle took over Thursday morning as Idaho’s newest Speaker of the House, taking the gavel for the first time, leading the 67th Idaho Legislature.
Lt. Gov. Elect Scott Bedke, who served as speaker for 10 years and was the longest-serving speaker, gaveled in one last time Thursday before swearing Moyle into the role.
After the swearing in, Bedke hugged Moyle, saying “Mike, it’s all yours.”
Moyle spoke to the body, vowing to do his best and work together as a team. Moyle is starting his 13th term in the House and was previously the state’s longest-serving majority leader.
Moyle, R-Star, beat Rep. Jason Monks, R-Meridian, who challenged him for the speaker’s position.
Over Thursday and Friday, Moyle is tasked with assigning House committee chairmen and presiding over the House of Representatives. Committee chairmen are especially important, as that’s where potential legislation will be initially introduced.
Rep. Megan Blanksma, R-Hammett, took over as majority leader, beating a challenge from Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens.
Rep. Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay, took over as assistant majority leader, the seat previously held by Monks.
Rep. Dustin Manwaring, R-Pocatello, took over as the new majority caucus chair, a role previously held by Blanksma.
Click here to view House committee chairs.
Ruth Brown | Producer
Ruth Brown grew up in South Dakota and her first job out of college was covering the South Dakota Legislature. She’s since moved on to Idaho lawmakers. Brown spent 10 years working in print journalism, including newspapers such as the Idaho Statesman and Idaho Press, where she’s covered everything from the correctional system to health care issues. She joined Idaho Reports in 2021 and looks forward to telling stories about how state policy can impact the lives of regular Idahoans.