They are Idaho’s most ambitious policymakers, political influencers, and public servants. While some are regarded as household names, others are making history in the state. Through their political station and social impact, they are among the most influential figures in the Idaho political game.
Taking into consideration political office, incumbency, and overall political and social influence, we have compiled a list of the most noteworthy Idaho politicians to look out for in the upcoming year. From long standing incumbents to fresh-faced legislators, these are the top 20 most powerful politicians in Idaho.
20. Steve Vick
Steve Vick currently serves as the state senator for Idaho’s 2nd District. The Republican incumbent assumed office in 2010 and has been a powerhouse in the Idaho Senate ever since. Currently, Senator Vick acts as chair of the Senate Resources and Environment Committee, which oversees legislation concerning the protection of Idaho’s natural resources and environment.
19. Lawrence Wasden
As the current Idaho Attorney General, Wasden is responsible for providing legal representation and accountability for the state’s agencies, offices, and boards. Holding this position for 19 years, Wasden is recognized as the longest serving attorney general in Idaho’s history.
18. Lawerence Denney
Lawerence Denney has served as Idaho’s Secretary of State since 2015. While this position encompasses duties surrounding business and government services, Secretary Denney’s most important obligation is presiding over state election security and integrity. In light of national speculation concerning election fraud and voter suppression, Secretary Denney holds the critical job of defending the democratic election process in Idaho.
Despite Lauren Necochea being elected to the Idaho House of Representatives in 2019, the representative has quickly proven herself to be a natural leader and political powerhouse. After only two years of service, Representative McLean took over as the Idaho House of Representatives assistant minority leader. Representative McClean also sits on several committees including the Local Government Committee, Resources & Conservation Committee, and the Revenue & Taxation Committee.
16. Jason A. Monks
Jason A. Monks has served as a state representative since 2012. Serving Idaho’s 22nd District, Representative Monks acts as the Idaho House of Representatives assistant majority leader. The politician also holds a seat on several important committees, and is the vice-chairman of the Judiciary, Rules, & Administration Committee.
the Idaho Representatives for six years. Senator Burgoyne also holds the position of assistant minority leader in the Idaho Senate. Grant Burgoyne has served as the Democratic State Senator for Idaho’s 16th District since 2014, and previously served in
14. Abby Lee
Abby Lee currently serves on the Idaho Senate as the assistant majority leader, and has acted as the senator for Idaho’s 9th District since 2014. Senator Lee also serves as the vice-chair of the Judiciary & Rules Committee and sits on the Senate Finance Committee and Health & Welfare Committee.
13. Ilana Rubel
State Representative Ilana Rubel currently serves as the Idaho House of Representatives minority leader. The Democratic politician is in her seventh year of representing Idaho’s 18th District, and plays an important role in setting the legislative agenda for House Democrats.
12. Mike Moyle
Mike Moyle is one of the longest serving members of the current Idaho House of Representatives. Representative Moyle has served Idaho’s 14th District since 1998, and assumed his role as the House of Representatives majority leader in 2006. Now in his 23rd year of service, Majority Leader Mike Moyle continues to provide legislative direction for House Republicans.
11. Scott Bedke
Representative Bedke has served as Idaho’s Speaker of the House since 2012. The Republican representative is responsible for heading up committee appointments in the Idaho House of Representatives and also serves as chair ofthe Economic Outlook & Revenue Assessment Committee
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Michelle Stennett has an impressive track record for leadership in the Idaho Senate, acting as the Democratic minority leader since 2012. Senator Stennett has served Idaho’s 26th District for eleven years and is a member of several committees including the State Affairs Committee.
State Senator Anthon made a splash in 2020 after being elected by fellow Republican senators to serve as the Idaho Senate majority leader. In addition to setting the Republican legislative agenda in the Idaho Senate, Majority Leader Anthon also serves on the Judiciary & Rules Committee and State Affairs Committee.
8. Chuck Winder
After serving as the Idaho Senate majority leader for the past two years, Senator Winder stepped down and was elected by his colleagues as the state Senate’s president pro tempore in 2020. President Pro Tempore Winder holds immense power in the state Senate, appointing members from the majority party to standing committees including chair and vice-chair positions.
7. Janice McGeachin 
Janice McGeachin made Idaho history in 2019 after being the first female Lieutenant Governor elected to serve the state. Lt. Governor McGeachin plays a critical role in the Idaho political climate, acting as president of the Idaho Senate and serving as the Governor’s chief appointment officer.
6. Lauren McLean
Lauren McLean made history in 2019 after being the first woman in the city’s history to win the Boise mayoral election. Beyond setting precedent for future female candidates in Boise, Mayor McLean also presides over the state’s largest city population, representing over 200,000 citizens. McLean is perhaps one of the most influential Idaho politicians at the local level, with over 10,000 followers on Twitter.
5. Brad Little
Brad Little is no stranger to the political sphere in Idaho. The current governor has served twenty years in public office, working as a state senator from 2001-2009, as well as Lieutenant Governor of Idaho from 2010-2018. The current governor also holds significant social influence with over 17,000 Twitter followers. Governor Little won the gubernatorial election in 2018, and has been the acting governor since 2019.
4. Russ Fulcher
Russ Fulcher currently acts as the U.S. Representative for Idaho’s 1st Congressional District. Congressman Fulcher serves as the Republican Deputy Leader of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Power, and Oceans, and previously worked as a state senator for ten years.
3. Mike Simpson
Mike Simpson has served Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District for over twenty years in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Simpson is a ranking member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and previously served as the Speaker of the House in the Idaho House of Representatives. The representative also holds an impressive social media following, reaching over 18,000 constituents via Twitter.
2. James Risch
James (Jim) Risch has represented Idaho in the U.S. Senate since 2009. Risch holds considerable social influence, with over 107,000 followers tuning in to the senator’s Twitter. The junior Republican senator previously served as the Governor of Idaho and is currently a ranking member in the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
1. Mike Crapo
U.S. Senator Mike Crapo has acted as a public servant for Idaho since 1984 and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1999. Senator Crapo is now the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee and also serves as the chief deputy whip among Senate Republicans for the 117th Congress. Crapo’s popularity among Idahoans is evident, with the senator holding over 120,000 followers on Twitter.