By Idaho GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon
Open the newspaper or turn on the evening news and you’ll see members of the other party complaining about what Idaho’s Republican majority is doing. They insist that if they were in charge—rather than Republicans holding a supermajority in the Legislature—things would be different. But it’s worth taking the time to evaluate ideology by its results.
According to the Tax Foundation, Idaho ranks 9th in the nation for tax competitiveness—how attractive a state is for doing business. By contrast, our neighbors California, Oregon, and Washington rank 48th, 35th, and 45th, respectively.
Some on the other side might argue that this is a bad thing—that we should be taxed more, not less. After all, someone has to pay for all those government programs our friends on the other side want to fund. But what exactly are West Coast residents getting in return for those higher taxes?
Idaho enjoys a much lower cost of living than our neighbors to the west, along with much lower crime rates. Unemployment is also lower here—around 3.7%, compared to 4–5% on the West Coast. It’s no surprise that people are flocking to the Gem State while leaving states like California behind.
Meanwhile, cities like Seattle and New York have recently elected socialist mayors whose policies will certainly drive more people away. I just read that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to build a city-owned grocery store—taking three years and $30 million to do a job the private sector already does perfectly well. Here in Idaho, homegrown companies like Albertsons and WinCo already provide affordable food options. I can’t imagine government doing it better.
But it’s not just economics that make Idaho such a great place to live. While states like California and Washington allow the removal of children from parents who don’t affirm their “transgender” identities, Idaho protects families by keeping boys out of girls’ bathrooms and prohibiting teachers from secretly transitioning students.
While blue states raise pride flags and Black Lives Matter banners, Idaho has said we are united under the American flag. While those states double down on indoctrinating children with Marxism and wokeism, Idaho has advanced school choice and partnered with TP USA to bring Club America chapters to high schools across the state.
Democrats often say they stand for compassion and common sense. But a look at outcomes across the country raises serious questions about where their policies actually lead. Idaho’s Republican leadership hasn’t been perfect, but it has helped create a state where faith is respected, families are supported, and freedom is valued.
Idaho proves that society works best when government stays in its proper role. We should keep building on that success—not copy the policies of states that are clearly failing their citizens.
About Dorothy Moon
Dorothy Moon was elected to serve as the chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party in July of 2022, and reelected in 2024. Moon served three terms in the Idaho Legislature as State Representative for District 8. Moon’s career in public service has focused on the advancement of individual liberties and reducing the size and scope of government.
