By Secretary of State Phil McGrane
Highlights from the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office
May 22, 2026
A New Chapter for the Idaho Blue Book
Idaho has never lacked a great story. The challenge has been telling it in a way worthy of the state itself.
For generations, the Idaho Blue Book has served as a civic and historical resource. Producing it is one of the duties assigned to my office by law. It provides a reliable biennial overview of elected offices, boards, and commissions, along with some fun facts about the Gem State.
While going through our office vault and looking at past editions, we came across a Blue Book from the 1940s. Leafing through it, I was reminded that these books are more than government publications. They capture Idaho at a moment in time. However, it was clear that the Blue Book had become dated and uninviting. It served its function as a reference, but it did little to draw readers in.
So I started asking a question I think all public servants should ask about the things we do simply because they’ve always been done that way: could we do it differently, and could we do it better?
Earlier this month, I joined Governor Brad Little to unveil the newly reimagined 2026 Blue Book of Idaho. This new edition was redesigned with a broader purpose in mind: to invite readers into Idaho’s story, showcase the beauty and history of our state, and honor the foundation laid by those who came before us. It also reflects this remarkable moment in Idaho’s history. Even with the redesign and the addition of full-color throughout the book, we were able to reduce production costs and save taxpayer dollars in the process.
The redesigned Blue Book is as much at home on a coffee table as it is on a library shelf. Filled with striking photography, state symbols in full color, and stories that reflect Idaho’s character, this edition celebrates the people, places, and traditions that make our state special.
The new edition features a dedication to Rebecca Brown Mitchell, an early advocate for women’s suffrage in Idaho, a look at 43 fascinating facts about our 43rd state, and much more.
Special Thanks
I want to give a shout-out to Robert Logan, Chelsea Bishop, and Nicole Fitzgerald from my team for the heartfelt time, care, and attention they put into reimagining the Blue Book. Their love for our beautiful state can be felt as you thumb through the pages.
We are proud to make the Blue Book available to Idahoans across the state. Printed copies are available for purchase through our office, and a free digital version is available online for anyone to access. I hope you’ll take some time to explore it and enjoy Idaho’s remarkable story in a format worthy of the state it represents.
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.
