With Little gone, Lt. Gov. McGeachin issues executive order banning Idaho mask mandates

BOISE – Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin, acting as governor on Thursday in Gov. Brad Little’s absence, issued an executive order banning the mask mandates that remain based on the COVID-19 pandemic.

McGeachin announced the order on social media Thursday morning.

“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,” McGeachin wrote.

Marissa Morrison, a spokesperson for Little, told the Statesman that the governor “has been out of state this week collaborating with other Republican governors.”

“The Lt. Gov. did not make Governor Little aware of her executive order ahead of time,” Morrison said in an email.

Little is reportedly due back in Idaho Thursday evening. His office is reviewing the order and said an expanded statement will be available upon further review, Morrison said.

“The Lt. Gov. did not make Governor Little aware of her executive order ahead of time,” Morrison said in an email.

Little is reportedly due back in Idaho Thursday evening. His office is reviewing the order and said an expanded statement will be available upon further review, Morrison said..

The Statesman has reached out to McGeachin’s office for further comment.

Initial reaction to McGeachin’s announcement on social media was mixed. On Facebook, dozens of commenters lauded the decision, calling it an example of leadership. On Twitter, McGeachin was met with harsh criticism. Several users bashed the move and questioned McGeachin’s commitment to allowing local governments and entities to choose their own policies.

Some members of McGeachin’s own party criticized the executive order. House Speaker Scott Bedke, R-Oakley, who announced a bid for lieutenant governor on Thursday morning, said he felt it was unwarranted.

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