Idaho Republican Party Chair Dorothy Moon officially announced her candidacy for re-election during a recent interview on Newstalk 107.9. Speaking with hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason, Moon discussed her vision for the party’s future, internal leadership challenges, and the upcoming battle over high-profile ballot initiatives expected to appear in November.
Moon, who has served as chair for the past two years, addressed the ongoing friction between the “establishment” and “liberty” wings of the Idaho GOP. She emphasized the importance of adhering to party rules and maintaining consistency in leadership. Moon noted that while the party has faced internal disputes, particularly regarding the actions of local central committees in Bingham and Bonneville counties, she believes the grassroots base remains supportive of her direction. She criticized certain local groups for allegedly bypassing transparency requirements in recent precinct committeeman elections, referring to such tactics as “nefarious” and urging voters to prioritize integrity and rule-following.
A significant portion of the interview focused on upcoming ballot initiatives. Moon signaled a major effort to oppose a proposed abortion initiative led by the group Reclaim Idaho. She characterized the initiative as extreme, claiming it would allow abortions up to 24 or 25 weeks and potentially reverse state statutes regarding hormone therapy and gender-related surgeries for minors. Moon stated that the party is currently marshaling resources and organizing a “speakers’ bureau” to educate voters on the implications of the measure, which she expects will qualify for the ballot by the June 30 deadline.
Regarding other potential initiatives, Moon shared information suggesting that a marijuana legalization initiative might fall short of the required signatures. However, she reaffirmed the party’s readiness to oppose any measures that conflict with conservative Idaho values. Moon also highlighted the recent precinct committeeman races, suggesting that the results show a shift toward a more conservative and rule-oriented grassroots membership.
The Idaho Republican State Convention is scheduled for June 18-20 in Boise. Delegates and precinct committeemen will vote on the party’s leadership, including the chair position, on the final day of the convention. Moon concluded the interview by reiterating her commitment to maintaining a “squeaky clean” financial record for the party and serving as a “cheerleader” for Republican principles across the state.
