Idaho lieutenant governor launches GOP challenge to Gov. Brad Little in 2022

close

Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for May 19

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin announced her plans to run for governor Wednesday, joining a crowded field of Republican challengers to Gov. Brad Little in 2022, according to reports. 

McGeachin has clashed with Little over the last year on his coronavirus restrictions, FOX 28 in Spokane, Wash., reported, and her move shows the divide in the state between establishment Republicans and Trump-aligned politicians. 

Last year, McGeachin called their relationship "tense" while she publicly criticized him over his April 2020 stay-at-home order, KTVB-TV in Boise reported. 

"Idahoans have witnessed serious, egregious violations over this past year," McGeachin told supporters on the steps of the Idaho Statehouse in Boise Wednesday, KIVI-TV in Boise reported. "Some who were entrusted with positions of leadership caved to fear and compromised principles." 

IDAHO GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL BANNING ABORTIONS AFTER FETAL HEARTBEAT DETECTED

Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin tears up a FEMA COVID agreement as she announces her run for Idaho governor at the Downtown Event Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. (Associated Press)

During her announcement, she said she also plans to fight "radical leftists," according to the Idaho Statesman. 

McGeachin told cheering supporters she is a "proud Idahoan, a devout Christian, a proven and committed conservative, a devoted wife and mother and, with your support, I will be the first woman to lead Idaho as governor." 

She is also the state’s first female lieutenant governor, according to KTVB. 

At least five other Republicans have announced plans to challenge Little so far, the Statesman reported. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

McGeachin served in the state House of Representatives from 2002 to 2012, according to FOX 28.