By Idaho GOP Chairwoman Dorothy Moon
As we head into the 2026 Idaho GOP State Convention, delegates are already discussing ideas for reform—not only of our government, but also of the way we choose our nominees.
Back in 2007, the Idaho GOP voted to close our primary to members of other political parties. After all, why should Democrats or Libertarians have a say in choosing the Republican nominees for governor, the Legislature, or Congress? The Idaho GOP was forced to sue the State of Idaho in federal court to make it happen, and by 2012, the Republican primary was once again for Republican voters only.
Just two years ago, left-wing organizations rallied behind the ranked choice voting initiative, seeking not only to reopen our primaries but to fundamentally reshape Idaho elections. The Idaho GOP fought hard to protect the integrity of our nominating process, and Idaho voters decisively rejected that proposal by a 70-30 margin.
At the end of the day, the Idaho GOP is a private organization. We are not part of the government, and we have the right to decide how we nominate our candidates for the general election. There is nothing in natural law that says a state-run primary—whether open or closed—is the only or best way to choose nominees.
In fact, the modern primary system is largely a product of the Progressive Era at the turn of the 20th century. Before that, political parties often selected their nominees through conventions or caucuses, where delegates gathered in schools, churches, and grange halls to debate issues and choose candidates.
If the Idaho GOP decides to return to a caucus or convention system for choosing its nominees, that is its right, and as chair it will be my duty to carry it out. It certainly wouldn’t be my first rodeo. Remember when the Idaho Legislature “accidentally” eliminated the March presidential primary a couple of years ago? My team and I had to scramble to ensure Idaho Republicans would still have a meaningful voice in selecting our presidential nominee.
Our solution was a “firehouse caucus,” where Republican voters gathered at schools and other community locations, heard from the candidates, and cast their ballots. We put that operation together in record time, organizing locations, poll books, ballots, volunteers, and everything else necessary to make it work. And we did it for a fraction of what it costs taxpayers to conduct a traditional statewide primary election.
As chair of the Idaho GOP, I am committed to ensuring that Republican voters have their voices heard, free from interference by those who do not share our principles. Above all, we will defend the right of Republicans to choose Republican nominees—and we will never allow that right to be taken away.
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.
