By Secretary of State Phil McGrane
Highlights from the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office
December 12, 2025
Leading with Purpose: Idaho’s Influence
The best policies don’t come from the biggest states; they come from places that get it right. My short but impactful trip to Washington, DC confirmed to me that Idaho isn’t just participating in national leadership. We’re defining it.
Idahoans Leading in DC
I had the privilege of visiting my good friend Alex Adams, a fellow Idahoan who was confirmed earlier this year as Assistant Secretary for Family Support at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). After his impactful tenure leading Idaho’s Department of Health & Welfare, Alex now guides the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at HHS, and he’s making Idaho proud.
Alex gave us a tour of HHS, including a remarkable visit to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s office, where historical Kennedy family photographs and memorabilia offer a tangible connection to the legacy of public service.
While in town, we visited the White House and met with Katherine Kaye, Associate Director in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Our conversation focused on the collaboration between Idaho and the federal government, particularly with the Department of Homeland Security and USCIS. I’m grateful for this partnership that strengthens Idaho’s ability to maintain accurate and secure voter rolls.
A highlight was meeting with Tom Schultz, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, and another Idahoan in a pivotal national role. As a member of the Idaho Land Board, I appreciated the opportunity to talk about shared stewardship of our lands and the close coordination we’ve built with the Forest Service. We also spoke candidly about the weight of responsibility and public scrutiny that often come with leadership.
Leading on Election Integrity
I also had the opportunity to share Idaho’s election integrity initiatives with leaders from across the country, joining Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams in a panel discussion. As we prepare for the 2026 election cycle, Idaho continues to set the standard, and I’m proud to represent our approach on the national stage.
At every stop, I was reminded that Idaho’s influence isn’t measured by our population. It’s measured by the caliber of our people and the clarity of our purpose. I’m grateful to leaders like Alex and Tom who carry that forward on a national stage. And I’m proud that Idaho continues to lead, not by volume but by values.
Phil McGrane
About Phil McGrane
Phil McGrane was elected Idaho’s twenty-eighth Secretary of State and took office on January 2, 2023. McGrane served as elected Clerk of Ada County from 2019-2022. McGrane holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy, a juris doctorate, and a Master of Public Administration. As a fourth-generation Idahoan, Phil has dedicated his career to making elections in the state of Idaho accessible, secure and transparent.
