FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2026
(Boise, Idaho) – Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane today announced his campaign for reelection, running on a record of stronger elections, greater transparency, and responsible stewardship of Idaho’s public lands.
“I love Idaho, and I’m running to continue serving the people of Idaho,” said Secretary McGrane. “In just three years, we’ve strengthened accessibility, increased transparency, and built greater trust in our elections and business services, and we’re just getting started. I have an amazing team, and I’m excited about what we’ve been able to accomplish, and there’s so much more we can do.”
Strengthening Election Integrity and Participation
As Secretary of State, McGrane has expanded voter participation for eligible Idahoans while reinforcing the safeguards that keep Idaho’s elections secure, transparent, and trusted. In 2024, he successfully oversaw the largest election in state history, which drew national attention and led to his invitation to testify before Congress on Idaho’s election integrity practices.
Under his leadership, Idaho implemented the Only Citizens Can Vote Act in partnership with Governor Brad Little. His office also partnered with all 44 county clerks to adopt the “12 Principles of Idaho Elections,” reaffirming Idaho’s commitment to secure, transparent, and accessible elections for every eligible voter.
McGrane’s office launched a fully redesigned VoteIdaho.gov, featuring enhanced transparency tools, real-time data dashboards, and improved voter resources, earning national recognition for innovation. Idaho’s collaborative Election Security Group, a partnership between state, local, and federal officials, has received similar recognition. The office also modernized Idaho’s campaign finance and lobbyist reporting systems, replacing outdated platforms with user-friendly tools that improve public access and accountability.
“The integrity of our elections matters! I’ve worked in elections for a long time, and it’s incredible to see what Phil’s done. In his short time, he’s strengthened voter ID, he’s increased transparency in campaign finance and lobbying, and he’s invested in training and support for the counties that work with him to ensure every Idahoan has a voice at the ballot box,” said Bannock County Clerk Jason Dixon.
Leadership on the Idaho Land Board
As a member of the Idaho Land Board, McGrane has played an active role in helping oversee millions of acres of endowment lands that fund Idaho’s public schools and institutions. In his first year, Phil joined the Department of Lands newest recruits to become a wildland firefighter to better understand how we can best protect our public lands. He’s built relationships with industry partners in timber, mining, agriculture, and recreation to identify ways we can better manage our endowment lands while preserving the public access we enjoy as Idahoans.
“McGrane’s been a great partner and advocate for stronger, healthier Idaho forests. I’ve seen firsthand Phil’s willingness to get dirty and join the logging and fire community out in the woods in an effort to better understand just how important forest health is to our public lands and Idaho’s economy,” said Logger and Past President of the Associated Logging Contractors, Mark Mahon.
Standing Up for Idaho’s Small Businesses
McGrane was a leading voice against the Biden administration’s Corporate Transparency Act, warning that its federal reporting mandates placed an undue burden on small businesses and raised serious privacy concerns. He successfully led the effort to file an amicus brief, along with 17 fellow secretaries, advocating for common sense and standing up for Idaho business owners against invasive federal overreach.
“Being an American Patriot means fighting for Americans. That’s exactly what Phil’s done. When the Biden administration suggested all business owners were criminals and demanded our personal information, Phil stood up for Idaho and fought back. He had our back, and I’ve got his. Thank you, Phil,” said business owner and Idaho County Commissioner Ted Lindsley.
Protecting Idaho’s Values
A fourth-generation Idahoan and father of three, McGrane remains committed to the principles and values that make Idaho so strong: family, fiscal responsibility, limited government, secure elections, and respect for individual liberty.
“I love this state,” McGrane said. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done, and I’m asking Idahoans for the opportunity to keep serving and protecting what makes Idaho exceptional.”
Contact:
Shelley Bennett
(208) 860-0985
[email protected]
About Staff Writer
The Gem State Chronicle brings you news and analysis that empowers you to make positive change in Idaho. Established 2022.
