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Brad Little
58.1%
#6 of 50

Brad Little

Idaho R | 2nd term
2019-01-07Took Office 7 yrs, 5 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 961 / 1653Total Points

Section A: Governance

227/300
76%

Section B: State Outcomes

558/975
57%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

+176 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 227/300

9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.

On-time budget submission
Budgets submitted on schedule each year since 2019. FY2026 KEEPING PROMISES plan presented Jan 2025 — proposed $5.66B general fund ($14.3B all funds). Called Sept 2022 special session for $1B tax/education package passed in single day. UPDATE (Apr 2026): Little signed additional budget cuts for FY 2026 and issued 5 responsible vetoes post-adjournment including rejecting rainy day fund overloading and childcare deregulation that threatened safety.
Idaho Constitution Art. VII; Governor's Budget Submissions; DFM FY2026 Budget Highlights
3
Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual
MAJOR forecast failures. Revenue collections for personal income tax dropped 5.3% and corporate income tax dropped 50.3% vs predictions in July 2025. Legislature approved $400M+ in annual tax cuts that far exceeded governor's $100M proposal — revenue shortfall forced 3% emergency budget cuts across all agencies. Governor warned about 'magnitude of tax cuts' but signed them anyway.
Idaho Division of Financial Management Revenue Reports; Idaho Capital Sun Revenue Analysis; BLS LAUS — Idaho
1
Rainy day fund management
Idaho reserves totaled $1.28B (22.3% of GF revenue) at end of FY2024 — among best-capitalized states. Primary rainy day fund held $880M+, Public Education Stabilization Fund ~$265M. By Dec 2025 reserves ~$1.4B. However, $453M in annual tax cuts drawing down reserves; state projected $80M deficit by end FY2026.
Idaho Legislature Reserve Fund Balances Report 2025; DFM Budget Reports; Idaho Capital Sun Aug 2025
2
State credit rating trajectory
Fitch reaffirmed Idaho AAA for 5th consecutive year (June 2025), citing strong reserves, low debt, and long-term economic growth. Moody's reaffirmed Aaa (Oct 2025), citing higher-than-average economic/demographic growth and low leverage. Population growth 27.7% since 2010 vs 10.2% national rate bolsters rating outlook.
Fitch Ratings June 2025; Moody's Aaa Reaffirmation Oct 2025; Idaho Business Review
3
Pension funding ratio trajectory
PERSI funded ratio 85.4% at FY2024 end with 10.8-year amortization period — well within 25-year statutory threshold. Board approved 1.25% contribution rate increase effective July 2024 after 2022 market decline. Recovering after two consecutive years of market gains. Among better-funded state pension systems nationally.
PERSI 2024 ACFR; PERSI Actuarial Valuation FY2024; Idaho Statute 59-1322
2
Debt per capita trajectory
Idaho has among lowest per capita state debt nationally at ~$1,800 vs $3,500+ national average. Fitch and Moody's both cite low long-term liability burden. Even with new transportation and school facility bonds, long-term debt expected to remain low. Population over 2M keeps per capita metrics favorable.
Idaho State Treasurer Debt Reports; Fitch Ratings June 2025; Moody's Oct 2025; Census Population Estimates
3
CAFR/ACFR published on time
State Controller Brandon Woolf published FY2024 ACFR on schedule through sco.idaho.gov. Legislative Services Office conducts ACFR and Internal Control Reports annually. No significant delays documented during Little's tenure since 2019.
Idaho State Controller ACFR Records; Legislature.idaho.gov LSO Audit Division
2
Audit findings — material weaknesses
No major material weakness findings in statewide audits during Little's 7+ year tenure. Legislative Services Office Audit Division conducts independent audits annually. Clean audit opinions support AAA/Aaa credit ratings from Fitch and Moody's.
Idaho Legislative Services Office Audit Reports; Fitch/Moody's Rating Analyses
3
Federal grant fund accounting
No major federal grant accounting failures documented. Idaho received ~$5.4B in federal funds in FY2024 (39% of total budget). ARPA funds tracked via Transparent Idaho portal. Standard Single Audit findings with no suspensions or corrective action plans from federal agencies.
Idaho Single Audit Reports; DFM Federal Funds Report FY2026; Transparent Idaho ARPA Portal
3
Anti-fraud controls — federal programs
Standard anti-fraud controls maintained across state-administered federal programs. No documented large-scale fraud in Medicaid, SNAP, or ARPA programs during 7+ year tenure. Medicaid unwinding verified eligibility for 145K→90K enrollees — active fraud prevention. State Controller office maintains oversight.
Idaho State Controller Reports; Federal Program Reviews; Idaho DHW Medicaid Data
3
Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment
Revenue shortfall emerging from massive tax cuts. Corporate income tax down 50.3%, personal income tax down 5.3% vs projections. Governor ordered 3% budget cuts across agencies in August 2025, then made them permanent. Structural misalignment between reduced revenue and spending commitments.
Idaho DFM Revenue vs Expenditure Reports; Governor's Executive Orders August-September 2025
1
Capital budget execution rate
Capital projects proceeding. New women's correctional facility under construction in Kuna. Five IDOC projects adding ~1,000 beds by end of 2027. Transportation and school facility bonds issued while maintaining low long-term debt per Fitch/Moody's. No major cost overrun scandals.
Idaho DFM Capital Budget Reports; IDOC Facility Reports; Fitch/Moody's Rating Reports
2
Vendor/contractor oversight
Standard procurement oversight through Idaho Division of Purchasing. Transparent Idaho portal publishes contract data. No vendor scandals or procurement fraud documented during tenure. IDOC out-of-state prison contract ($85/day per inmate in Arizona) is highest-profile vendor relationship.
Idaho Division of Purchasing Records; Transparent Idaho; IDOC Budget Reports
3
Federal funding maximization
Idaho accepted IIJA infrastructure funding including $583M BEAD broadband allocation. Medicaid expansion implemented per voter Proposition 2 (2018) — 90K+ enrolled. Federal funds = 39% of $14.3B FY2026 total budget (~$5.4B). ARPA funds deployed for one-time projects. However, One Big Beautiful Bill conformity may cut $4.3B in federal Medicaid over decade.
USASpending.gov — Idaho; NTIA BEAD Allocation; Idaho DHW Medicaid Data; DFM FY2026 Budget
2
Program eligibility verification systems
Medicaid 'unwinding' reduced expansion enrollment from 145,000 to ~90,000 by end of 2024, suggesting eligibility verification active. Standard verification systems.
Idaho DHW Medicaid Enrollment Data; CMS Unwinding Reports — Idaho
2
Signature legislation enacted
Signed HB 1 (Sept 2022 special session) — largest income tax cut in ID history, establishing 5.8% flat tax + $500M one-time rebates + $410M education investment. Signed HB 93 (Feb 2025) — $50M universal school choice tax credit (14th state). Zero-Based Regulation EO cut 95% of admin rules (8,553→5,318 pages). Legislature enacted his Zero-Based Regulation permanently in 2023.
Idaho Legislature HB 1 (2022); HB 93 (2025); EO 2020-01; Governor's Red Tape Reduction Records
2
Veto override rate
Zero vetoes overridden during entire tenure since Jan 2019. Vetoed 2-6 bills per session — fewer than predecessors Otter and Kempthorne in most years. 2023 House attempted override of property tax veto but effort failed. Supermajority GOP legislature has override power but has never exercised it against Little.
Idaho Legislature Journal; Veto Records; BoiseDev Veto Analysis April 2024
3
Bipartisan bills signed
Idaho legislature ~82% Republican (House 59-11, Senate 28-7). Democrats hold minimal minority with no leverage. HB 1 special session tax cut passed Senate 34-1 and House 55-15 with bipartisan support. Medicaid expansion implemented per voter initiative with mixed R support. True bipartisanship rare given one-party supermajority structure.
Idaho Legislature Vote Records; Idaho Secretary of State; HB 1 Vote Tallies
1
Special sessions called
Called Sept 1, 2022 special session — $1B tax cut and education bill passed in single day (House+Senate+signature by 6:30 PM). Called COVID special session in 2020. No unnecessary or failed special sessions. Each special session achieved stated legislative objectives.
Idaho Legislature Session Records; Governor's Office Sept 2022 Press Release
2
Executive orders — legal challenges
COVID stay-at-home EO faced legislative pushback — four living former governors supported his veto of emergency powers bills (HB 135, SB 1136) in April 2021. Aug 2025 EO ordering 3% budget cuts across agencies within statutory authority. Zero-Based Regulation EO 2020-01 upheld and made permanent by legislature 2023. No EOs struck down by courts.
Idaho AG Opinions; Governor's Office Veto Statements 2021; Court Records; EO 2020-01
2
Line-item veto usage
Vetoed 2-6 bills per session since 2019 — lower ratio than predecessors. Notable vetoes: 2022 COVID vaccine mandate ban, 2023 library bill (signed revised version HB 710 in 2024), 2021 emergency powers bills. No pattern of abuse or overreach. Critics say he vetoes too rarely, not too often.
Idaho Constitution Art. IV; Governor's Veto Records; BoiseDev Veto Analysis April 2024
3
Regulatory burden change
Cut or simplified 95%+ of state regulations since 2019. Admin code shrank from 8,553 to 5,318 pages. EO 2020-01 established Zero-Based Regulation — 5-year cycle requiring agencies to justify each rule line-by-line. Red Tape Reduction Act requires 2 rules repealed for every 1 added. For every chapter added, 83 chapters cut. Legislature made Zero-Based Regulation permanent in 2023. Idaho became least-regulated state.
Idaho Office of Administrative Rules; EO 2020-01; Governor's Red Tape Records; Ballotpedia
3
Budget negotiation success
Governor proposed $100M in tax cuts; legislature pushed through $400M+. Governor expressed concern about 'magnitude of tax cuts' but signed anyway, then had to order emergency 3% budget cuts. Lost control of budget process to more conservative legislature.
Idaho Legislature Budget Records; Governor's Public Statements Feb 2025; Executive Order Aug 2025
1
Bill signing rate on popular legislation
Signed HB 1 tax cuts — popular, Senate vote 34-1. Signed HB 93 school choice — controversial, 94% of public comments opposed but popular with GOP base. Signed HB 710 library restriction (April 2024) despite calling predecessor bill 'stinking library bill' — faces two federal lawsuits; 9th Circuit reversed lower court and found 'likelihood of success' for plaintiffs on overbreadth grounds.
Idaho Legislature Records; Court Challenges to HB 710; 9th Circuit Ruling; Idaho Ed News
2
Legislative relationship
Increasingly strained relationship with ultra-conservative Idaho Freedom Caucus. Legislature pushed tax cuts 4x beyond governor's recommendation. Governor described as 'cornered' on school choice. Primary challenger in 2022 from right. Legislature becoming more conservative and less deferential.
Idaho Legislature Records; Idaho Capital Sun Analysis; Idaho Ed News Analysis
1
Implementation of voter-approved measures
Implemented Medicaid expansion per Proposition 2 (approved 60.6% in Nov 2018). Over 100K previously uninsured Idahoans gained coverage. Work requirement waiver sought from CMS but blocked by federal court. Unwinding reduced enrollment from 145K→90K by end 2024. Enrollment stabilized at ~89,600. Voter mandate faithfully executed despite some R opposition.
Idaho DHW Medicaid Expansion Data; CMS Records; Idaho Secretary of State 2018 Results
2
Task force follow-through
Zero-Based Regulation task force fully implemented — legislature made it permanent law in 2023. Education task force led to $410M education investment in 2022 special session. Child welfare reorganization (EO 2024-05) split DHW child welfare into two divisions. Workforce development council supported $80M career training investment. IT Modernization initiative entering Phase 4 (FY2025).
Governor's Task Force Reports; Idaho Workforce Development Council; EO 2024-05; ITS Strategic Plan
2
Policy reversals under pressure
Reversed on school choice — opposed for six years then endorsed $50M private school tax credit in 2025 after conservative primary pressure. Called library bill 'that stinking library bill' but signed it. Pattern of signing legislation he expressed reservations about.
Governor's Public Statements; Idaho Ed News Analysis March 2025; Idaho Capital Sun Jan 2025
1
Appointee criminal/ethics issues
No major criminal issues with appointees across 7+ years. Appointees include Juliet Charron (DHW Director — largest state agency), Jennifer White (State Board of Education), Amanda Ulrich (District Judge, 7th Judicial District). Clean record on judicial and agency appointments through Idaho Judicial Council vetting process.
Idaho Ethics Records; Court Records; Governor's Appointment Records
3
Agency head vacancy rate
Agency positions generally filled despite competitive labor market. Appointed new DHW Director (Charron) and State Board of Education exec director (White) after departures. Legislative vacancy filled — appointee Michael Veile joined Idaho Freedom Caucus, showing willingness to appoint across party wings. Some education leadership churn amid school choice policy shifts.
Governor's Appointment Records; Idaho Capital Sun Appointment Coverage
2
State employee turnover
State employee turnover rate 19.2% — significantly above healthy levels. DHR Administrator Janelle White stated employees could 'leave and do the same jobs for virtually any other public or private employer and be paid more' and that pay 'has not kept up with inflation over the past decade.' Rapid population growth (2nd fastest nationally) intensifies private-sector competition.
Idaho Division of Human Resources Data; Idaho Capital Sun Feb 2025; DHR Compensation Reports
3
Diversity of appointments
Idaho is 82% white, ~13% Hispanic (Census ACS). Appointments reflect state's limited demographic diversity. Hispanic community underrepresented in senior positions despite being largest minority. Five federally recognized tribes (Shoshone-Bannock, Nez Perce, Coeur d'Alene, Shoshone-Paiute, Kootenai) — recent Coeur d'Alene water rights settlement (March 2026) demonstrates tribal engagement.
Governor's Appointment Records; Census ACS ID Demographics; Coeur d'Alene Water Settlement March 2026
1
Judicial appointment quality
Judicial appointments vetted through Idaho Judicial Council merit selection process. Recent appointee Amanda Ulrich (7th Judicial District) — 15+ year trial attorney and private practice partner. Appointments generally rated qualified by Bar evaluations. Legislature considered pay raises for judges in 2025 ($25K increase proposed).
Idaho Judicial Council; State Bar Evaluations; Spokesman-Review Jan 2025
2
State workforce pay competitiveness
Little recommended 5% raise ($1.55/hr) for FY2025. Legislature approved differentiated raises: IT/engineering 4.5%, State Police troopers up to 8%, healthcare/nursing $1.55/hr or 3% (whichever greater). Democrats opposed as insufficient. 19.2% turnover rate signals persistent pay gap. UI tax base $55,300 (2025). Budget cuts (4% in FY2026) constrain future raises.
Idaho DHR Compensation Reports; Idaho Capital Sun Feb 2025; Idaho Dept of Labor; BLS OES
2
Whistleblower protection
No documented retaliation against whistleblowers during 7+ year tenure. Idaho Whistleblower Protection Act (Idaho Code 6-2101 et seq.) provides statutory protections for state employees. No high-profile whistleblower cases or suppression claims filed against the administration.
Idaho Whistleblower Protection Act Records; Idaho Code 6-2101
3
Inspector General independence
Legislative Services Office Audit Division conducts independent audits of executive branch agencies and publishes ACFR/ICR reports. No interference with audit independence documented. Audit cooperation cited as factor in maintaining AAA/Aaa credit ratings from Fitch and Moody's.
Idaho Legislative Services Office Audit Division; Fitch/Moody's Rating Reports
2
State employee morale
No documented morale crisis but 19.2% turnover rate signals significant workforce dissatisfaction. DHR Administrator confirmed pay has not kept up with inflation for a decade. 3% emergency budget cuts (Aug 2025) followed by 4% permanent cuts (FY2026) create workforce uncertainty. IT Modernization and cybersecurity (Operation Cyber Idaho) create some positive engagement.
Idaho DHR Employee Engagement Data; Idaho Capital Sun Feb 2025; ITS Operation Cyber Idaho
3
Nepotism/cronyism
No documented nepotism. Little's son David manages family ranch (Little Land and Livestock) in private sector — no government role. Little's 30-year ranching/business career and 20-year IACI board service provide extensive connections but no patronage scandals. Former state senator (2001-2009) and Lt. Governor (2009-2019) — long public career with clean nepotism record.
Idaho Ethics Records; Governor's Biography; Financial Disclosures
3
Senior staff criminal charges
No senior staff charged with crimes during entire 7+ year tenure. Clean administration — no indictments, arrests, or criminal investigations involving governor's office staff, agency heads, or senior appointees documented in court records.
Court Records; Idaho Media Archives
3
Agency performance accountability
Aug 2025 EO ordered 3% budget cuts across all agencies (except public schools) — enforced uniformly. Legislature then enacted 4% permanent cuts for FY2026. Child welfare reorganized via EO 2024-05 splitting DHW into two divisions after foster care performance concerns. IT Modernization Phase 4 consolidating agency IT for efficiency. Accountability demonstrated through enforcement of holdbacks.
Idaho DFM Performance Reports; EO Aug 2025; EO 2024-05; ITS Phase 4
2
Disaster declaration timeliness
Timely disaster declarations for annual wildfires: 2024 fires hit 11 counties (Blaine, Boise, Custer, Elmore, Gem, Latah, Lemhi, Nez Perce, Payette, Valley, Washington) + Nez Perce Tribe. FEMA authorized fire management assistance for Texas Fire (July 2024), Gwen Fire (July-Aug 2024), Sunset Fire (Aug 2025). Kootenai County flood declaration (March 2025). Designated May as Wildfire Preparedness Month.
Idaho OEM Records; FEMA Disaster Declarations; FEMA Region 10 Fire Authorizations
2
FEMA Public Assistance secured
FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grants secured for multiple Idaho wildfires: Texas Fire (July 2024), Gwen Fire (July-Aug 2024), Sunset Fire (Aug 2025 — approved by FEMA Region 10). President Biden approved major disaster declaration for Idaho. Kootenai County flooding (March 2025) also received federal emergency support. Annual wildfire FEMA coordination ongoing.
FEMA PA Records — Idaho; FEMA FMAG Authorizations 2024-2025
2
Emergency reserve adequacy
Total reserves ~$1.4B (Dec 2025) including $880M+ primary rainy day fund and ~$265M Public Education Stabilization Fund. Governor recommended dedicated fire suppression reserve fund (JFAC approved). However, $453M annual tax cuts + projected $80M FY2026 deficit eroding cushion. State may need $600M-$1B for FY2027 budget gap per Idaho Capital Sun analysis.
Idaho State Treasurer Reserve Reports; JFAC Fire Suppression Fund; Idaho Capital Sun Nov 2025
2
Lives lost — preventable from state failure
No major preventable death events attributable to state negligence. Wildfire fatalities occurred within context of extreme natural conditions. COVID crisis standards of care activation (Sept 2021) resulted in care rationing — patients triaged — but was Delta variant surge, not infrastructure failure. National Guard deployed (up to 370 medical personnel + 150 Guard members) to mitigate hospital crisis.
Idaho OEM Incident Reports; FEMA Records; Governor's Office Crisis Standards Press Release Sept 2021
3
Post-disaster recovery
Wildfire recovery ongoing across 11+ counties impacted in 2024 season. FEMA recovery resources deployed including individual and public assistance programs. Kootenai County flood recovery (March 2025) proceeding. Idaho OEM maintains recovery resource portal. Long-term: 150+ years of Coeur d'Alene mining contamination cleanup coordinated with EPA Region 10 across 20,000 acres of wetlands.
Idaho OEM Recovery Reports; FEMA Recovery Resources; EPA Region 10 Coeur d'Alene Basin
2
Public health emergency response
COVID response controversial. Little imposed stay-at-home order then lifted it relatively quickly under political pressure. Idaho had among highest per-capita COVID death rates in Mountain West during Delta wave (fall 2021). Hospitals reached crisis standards of care. Did not impose mask mandate.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — Idaho; Idaho DHWI COVID Reports; Hospital Crisis Standards of Care Reports
1
Infrastructure failure prevention
No major infrastructure failures causing deaths or mass disruption during tenure. Idaho Transportation Dept maintains rural road/bridge network across 83,574 sq mi. Power grid stable — no Texas-style failures. Water infrastructure for agriculture (key to $8B+ agricultural economy) functional. Rapid growth (2nd fastest state) straining Boise metro capacity but no catastrophic failures.
Idaho Transportation Department; Utility Reports; Idaho Dept of Agriculture
3
National Guard deployment appropriateness
National Guard activated multiple times: COVID hospital support (up to 150 Guard members for logistics, screenings, lab work at overwhelmed facilities), annual wildfire suppression support, and Kootenai County flooding. Operation Cyber Idaho partnership with Idaho Army National Guard and Boise State University for cybersecurity. Idaho Military Division headquartered at Gowen Field, Boise.
Idaho Military Division Records; Governor's Guard Deployment Orders; Operation Cyber Idaho
2
Emergency communication
Emergency communication generally effective. COVID messaging undermined by conflicting signals — Little urged vaccines (only 48.6% fully vaccinated at Delta peak) while legislature pursued anti-mandate bills. Wildfire smoke communication coordinated through Idaho DEQ air quality forecasting network. OEM maintains statewide alert system. State declared May as Wildfire Preparedness Month for public awareness.
Governor's Office Communications; Idaho OEM Alert Records; Idaho DEQ Air Quality Forecasts
3
Interagency coordination
Interagency coordination includes Idaho OEM, DHW, Idaho Dept of Lands Fire Bureau, National Guard, DEQ (air quality/smoke), and EPA Region 10. COVID response coordinated DHW with hospital systems — set up three monoclonal antibody treatment centers. Wildfire coordination involves federal (BLM, Forest Service) and state agencies across 63% federally-owned land.
Idaho OEM After-Action Reports; DHW COVID Response; BLM/USFS Idaho Fire Coordination
3
Pandemic response metrics
Idaho had elevated COVID death rates during Delta wave — hospitals activated crisis standards of care meaning patients were triaged and some denied treatment. Per-capita deaths above national average at peak periods. Early reopening contributed to some surge periods.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — Idaho; Idaho DHWI; Hospital Crisis Standards of Care Activations
1
Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure
Increasing wildfire risk with limited dedicated investment. Water scarcity concerns for agriculture growing. Wildfire season lengthening with expanded fire management needs. Emergency infrastructure adequate but not proportional to growing risk profile.
ID OEM; ID Dept of Lands Fire Bureau
1
FOIA/open records compliance
Idaho Public Records Act (enacted 1990, Idaho Code 74-101 et seq.) compliance standard. Response times among fastest in US — 3 days typical, 10 days maximum. However, 92 explicit FOIA exemptions in statute — more than most states. Idahoans for Openness in Government (IDOG) coalition monitors compliance statewide.
Idaho AG Open Records Guidance; Idaho Code 74-101; IDOG (openidaho.org); MuckRock ID Guide
2
Governor's schedule availability
Governor's schedule published on gov.idaho.gov. Regular press conferences and public appearances across Idaho's 44 counties. Accessible to Idaho media including Idaho Capital Sun, Idaho Ed News, Spokesman-Review, and KTVB. Maintains active social media presence on Facebook.
Governor's Office Website (gov.idaho.gov); Idaho Media Records
2
Campaign finance compliance
No campaign finance violations across three campaigns (2018 primary/general, 2022 primary/general, 2026 primary announced Feb 2026). Won 2022 primary spending significantly vs McGeachin challenge. Trump endorsed Little for 2026 reelection (June 2025). Clean campaign finance record through Idaho Secretary of State filings.
Idaho Secretary of State Campaign Finance Records; 2026 Campaign Announcement Feb 2026
3
Financial disclosure
Financial disclosures filed as required. Little owns Little Land and Livestock ranching operation (managed by son David since 2009). Former IACI chairman (20-year board member). University of Idaho BS in Agribusiness (1977). Extensive business interests in ranching, banking, and manufacturing disclosed per Idaho ethics requirements.
Idaho Ethics Records; Governor's Official Biography; Financial Disclosures
2
Open meetings compliance
No major open meetings violations documented during 7+ year tenure. Idaho Open Meetings Law (Idaho Code 74-201 et seq.) compliance maintained. AG provides open meetings guidance and decisions. No enforcement actions or citizen complaints resulting in findings against the administration.
Idaho AG Open Meetings Decisions; Idaho Code 74-201
3
Open data portal
Transparent Idaho (transparent.idaho.gov) provides financial/salary data for 198 cities with interactive charts and reports. Added public education data in April 2025. State Controller's office added enhanced city transparency features (Oct 2024). ARPA spending tracked publicly. However, overall data portal less comprehensive than larger states — limited to financial data rather than broad open data catalog.
Transparent Idaho (transparent.idaho.gov); State Controller's Office; openidaho.org
1
Budget transparency
Budget documents published through Division of Financial Management (dfm.idaho.gov). FY2026 KEEPING PROMISES plan detailed $5.66B general fund / $14.3B all funds with breakdowns by agency and fund type. JFAC budget hearings publicly scheduled. Legislative Budget Book published annually. ARPA spending tracked on Transparent Idaho portal.
Idaho DFM Budget Website (dfm.idaho.gov); JFAC Public Records; Transparent Idaho
2
Lobbying disclosure
Standard lobbying disclosure through Idaho Secretary of State. Notable lobbying groups include Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF — conservative policy), Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry (IACI — Little formerly chaired for 20 years), and Idaho Education Association. Lobbyist registration and reporting requirements maintained per Idaho statute.
Idaho Secretary of State Lobbying Records; Idaho Code 67-6617 et seq.
3
IG report publication
Legislative Services Office publishes audit reports, ACFR, and Internal Control Reports through legislature.idaho.gov/lso/audit/. Reports cover all executive branch agencies. FY2024 ACFR published by State Controller Brandon Woolf. Audit findings accessible to public and media.
Idaho Legislative Services Office Audit Reports (legislature.idaho.gov)
2
Legislative audit cooperation
Executive branch cooperation with legislative audits documented. No instances of audit obstruction or refusal to provide records. Budget holdback enforcement (3% then 4% cuts) demonstrates willingness to accept oversight conclusions. JFAC budget hearings conducted with full agency participation.
Idaho Legislative Services Office Records; JFAC Hearing Records
2
Press conference accessibility
Regular press conferences and media availability. Accessible to Idaho Capital Sun, Idaho Ed News, Idaho Statesman, KTVB, Spokesman-Review, and other state media. Annual State of the State address (2026 address full text published). Maintains gov.idaho.gov with press releases, executive orders, and appointment records. COVID press conferences held regularly during pandemic.
Governor's Office Media Schedule; gov.idaho.gov Press Release Archive
2
State contract transparency
Procurement records available through Idaho Division of Purchasing. Transparent Idaho portal publishes state contract and expenditure data for public review. Largest contracts include IDOC out-of-state prison housing ($85/day, ~$51M projected), IT services through ITS consolidation, and highway construction through ITD. No transparency failures documented.
Idaho Division of Purchasing Records; Transparent Idaho; IDOC/ITD Budget Data
2
Court order compliance
Complied with federal court order blocking Medicaid work requirements — implemented expansion without work mandate. HB 710 library law: 9th Circuit reversed lower court and found 'likelihood of success' on overbreadth — state complying with legal process. No defiance of court orders documented. Abortion ban trigger law enacted per Dobbs ruling within legal framework.
Court Records; Federal Court Rulings on Idaho Medicaid; 9th Circuit HB 710 Ruling
2
Personal criminal charges
No criminal charges in 7+ years as governor or prior 18 years in public office (state senator 2001-2009, Lt. Governor 2009-2019). Third-generation Idaho rancher with clean personal record. No investigations, grand jury proceedings, or legal actions against him personally.
Court Records; Idaho Media Archives
3
Ethics complaints — substantiated
No substantiated ethics complaints across 7+ years as governor. Idaho Freedom Foundation and Freedom Caucus have been fierce political critics but attacks are policy-based, not ethics-based. No formal ethics commission findings against Little or his administration.
Idaho Ethics Records; Idaho Ethics Commission
3
Gift/travel disclosure
Gift/travel disclosures filed per Idaho ethics requirements. As former WGA Chair (Western Governors' Association), travel for multi-state policy work is documented. Little's ranching background and IACI connections create extensive in-state relationships but no undisclosed gift scandals.
Idaho Ethics Records; WGA Chair Travel Records
2
Conflict of interest
Little owns Little Land and Livestock — one of Idaho's best-known ranching operations, started by grandfather Andy Little who emigrated from Scotland in 1894. Son David manages operations since 2009. Agricultural policy alignment exists (Idaho agriculture ~$8B+ industry) but no documented self-dealing. Former IACI chairman (business lobby) — ideological alignment but no financial conflicts documented.
Idaho Ethics Commission; Financial Disclosures; Governor's Official Biography
3
State resources for political purposes
No documented misuse of state resources for political purposes during 7+ year tenure. 2022 primary against McGeachin and 2026 reelection campaign conducted with separate campaign funds. No state aircraft, vehicle, or staff misuse allegations. Brad Little for Idaho (campaign) maintained separately from governor's office.
Idaho Ethics Records; Campaign Finance Records
3
Truthfulness in official statements
No documented false official statements. Expressed concerns about tax cut magnitude then signed them — inconsistency but not untruthfulness.
Governor's Public Statements
3
Protection of ethics infrastructure
Idaho Ethics Commission framework maintained during tenure. Ethics infrastructure not defunded or weakened despite 4% FY2026 budget cuts across agencies. Lobbying disclosure requirements preserved. No attempts to weaken open records, open meetings, or ethics enforcement structures.
Idaho Ethics Commission Budget Records; FY2026 Appropriations
2
Emoluments/self-dealing
No documented self-dealing despite extensive business holdings (Little Land and Livestock ranching, banking, manufacturing experience). Financial disclosures filed. Son manages family ranch — no government contracts flowing to family businesses. 25+ years in public office (senator, Lt. Gov, governor) with clean self-dealing record.
Idaho Ethics Commission Financial Disclosures; Governor's Biography
3
Campaign donor to state contract pipeline
No documented pattern of campaign donors receiving state contracts. Idaho's smaller government scale ($14.3B total budget) and transparent procurement through Division of Purchasing limits opportunity for pipeline corruption. Campaign donors include IACI members and agricultural interests but no pay-to-play allegations.
Idaho Campaign Finance Records; Division of Purchasing Procurement Records
3
Foreign influence
No foreign influence concerns. Idaho's domestic agriculture/ranching economy has minimal foreign government exposure. Idaho National Laboratory (DOE nuclear facility, 890 sq mi) is critical national security asset but federally managed. No FARA registrations connected to governor's office.
DOJ FARA Database; INL Security Records
3
Sexual harassment claims
No sexual harassment claims filed against Brad Little or senior staff during 7+ year tenure as governor. No settlements, investigations, or allegations documented. Clean personal conduct record across 25+ years in Idaho public service.
Idaho DHR Records; Court Records
3
Records preservation
No documented records destruction or preservation violations. Idaho State Historical Society and Archives maintain state records per Idaho Code 67-4126. Governor's office records preserved per statutory retention schedules. No allegations of document shredding, deletion, or concealment.
Idaho State Archives Records; Idaho Code 67-4126
3
Revolving door
No major revolving door violations. Little himself has been in continuous public service since 2001 (senator→Lt. Gov→governor). No pattern of senior staff departing to lobbying firms or state vendors and returning. Idaho's smaller government limits revolving door opportunities compared to larger states.
Idaho Ethics Records; Governor's Staff Records
3
Fraud losses in state programs
No major fraud losses documented in state programs during 7+ year tenure. Idaho manages ~$5.4B in federal funds (39% of $14.3B budget) with standard anti-fraud controls. Medicaid unwinding verified eligibility (145K→90K enrollees) — active fraud prevention. Small state scale (~2M population) limits exposure but doesn't eliminate risk. State Controller maintains oversight.
Idaho State Controller Reports; Federal Reviews; DFM Federal Funds Data
3
Program integrity — eligibility verification
Medicaid unwinding reduced expansion enrollment from 145K peak to ~89,600 — active eligibility verification removing ineligible enrollees. SAVE system used for immigration status verification on public benefits. DHW uses standard federal verification protocols. Terry Reilly Health Services saw uninsured patients drop from 30% to under 10% post-expansion, demonstrating program reach to eligible populations.
Idaho DHW Program Reports; CMS Reviews; DHS SAVE Program; Terry Reilly Health Services Data
2
IT system modernization
IT Modernization entering Phase 4 (FY2025) — Little's initiative to consolidate agency IT under Office of Information Technology Services (est. 2018). Operation Cyber Idaho launched with Idaho Army National Guard and Boise State University (DHS-funded). CIO Alberto Gonzalez leads statewide cybersecurity consolidation. Four bureaus: IT Operations, Cybersecurity/Compliance, Enterprise Architecture, Business Admin. No major system failures.
Idaho ITS Strategic Plan FY24-27; Operation Cyber Idaho; ITS Phase 4 Documentation
2
Permit processing timeliness
Regulatory streamlining (95%+ rules cut, admin code 8,553→5,318 pages) directly improved permit processing. Red Tape Reduction Act (2-for-1 rule elimination) reduced business compliance burden. Idaho ranked least-regulated state. Zero-Based Regulation ensures every rule reviewed on 8-year cycle (made permanent by legislature 2023). Commerce department reports business-friendly environment strengthened.
Idaho Commerce Department Reports; Red Tape Reduction Act; Zero-Based Regulation Records
2
Child welfare system
Governor signed EO 2024-05 'Promoting Families and Protecting Children Act' — reorganized DHW child welfare from one division into two: Youth Safety and Permanency + Family and Community Partnerships. Foster home rate improved from 0.74 (June 2024) to 0.94. Kids in congregate care reduced from 240 to 180. Goal: double foster home rate to 1.5 by July 2026. DHW needed extra $14M for foster care crisis.
ACF CFSR Results — Idaho; EO 2024-05; Idaho DHW Foster Care Data; Idaho Reports Nov 2024
2
Medicaid program management
Medicaid expansion implemented per 2018 voter Proposition 2 (60.6% approval). 355K total Medicaid enrollees (May 2025), ~89,600 in expansion group. Expansion reduced FQHC uninsured patients (Terry Reilly: 30%→10%). Revenue from Medicaid increased 40%+ (2020-2022) allowing hiring of behavioral health and dental staff. Transitioning to managed care model. However, One Big Beautiful Bill may cut $4.3B federal Medicaid funding over decade and 58K may lose coverage.
CMS Reviews — Idaho; Idaho DHW Medicaid Data; KFF State Fact Sheet May 2025
2
Environmental program
Idaho DEQ manages EPA-delegated programs. DEQ recommended EPA exclude wildfire smoke impacts from PM2.5 standards (Feb 2025). Air quality forecasting network covers statewide wildfire smoke. EPA Region 10 coordinating Coeur d'Alene River Basin cleanup (20,000 acres contaminated by 150+ years of mining). Water quality monitoring ongoing for agricultural runoff in Snake River basin.
EPA State Program Evaluations — Idaho; Idaho DEQ; EPA Region 10 Coeur d'Alene Basin
2
Transportation project delivery
Idaho Transportation Department projects generally on schedule. IIJA funding captured for roads and bridges. New transportation bonds issued while maintaining low long-term debt per Fitch/Moody's. $583M BEAD broadband allocation being deployed (NTIA approved Initial Proposal April/Sept 2024). Rural roads and bridges maintained across 83,574 sq mi. Rapid Boise metro growth (Ada County population surge) straining highway capacity.
Idaho Transportation Department Annual Reports; FHWA — Idaho; NTIA BEAD Approval 2024
2
Unemployment insurance system
UI system functional. Unemployment rate 3.7% (Aug 2025) — below national average. UI benefit cost rate dropped to 0.19 (2024) — lowest in years (pre-pandemic 5-year avg was 0.35). Base UI tax rate decreased 20% for 2025 to 0.788% (2nd lowest since 1980), saving employers $22M. Taxable wage base $55,300 (2025). System operating efficiently in strong labor market.
Idaho DOL UI Performance Data; BLS LAUS — Idaho; Governor's UI Tax Reduction Announcement
2
Veterans services
Idaho exempts ALL military retirement pay from state taxes — no age limits, no income caps. Mountain Home AFB (366th Fighter Wing 'Gunfighters'), Gowen Field ANG Base (124th Fighter Wing), and Idaho National Guard facilities supported. 100% service-connected disabled veterans receive property tax benefit (no income limit). Idaho Armed Forces and Public Safety Scholarship available. National Guard partnered in Operation Cyber Idaho cybersecurity initiative.
Idaho Division of Veterans Services; Idaho Tax Commission Military Benefits; Mountain Home AFB; Gowen Field
2
Housing program effectiveness
Rapid population growth (2nd fastest nationally at 1.4%, 10.4% since 2020) driving housing affordability crisis. Boise area housing costs surged. Limited state-level affordable housing programs. Growth management challenges.
Census Population Estimates; Idaho Housing and Finance Association Reports; Zillow/FHFA HPI — Idaho
1
Corrections system
IDOC at 10,023 inmates (Jan 2026) vs 8,200 in-state capacity — ~1,800 over. ~600 men housed at private Arizona prison at $85/day. County jail overflow at $55-$75/day. Total overflow housing costs projected to rise 69% to ~$51M. New women's facility in Kuna + four projects adding ~1,000 beds by 2027 still insufficient. Little signed HB 406 (2024) adding mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl possession — contributing to population growth. No DOJ consent decrees.
Idaho Department of Correction Reports; Governing Magazine Jan 2026; HB 406 (2024)
2
Federal funding captured
Federal funds = 39% of $14.3B FY2026 total budget (~$5.4B). Captured IIJA funding: $583M BEAD broadband, plus roads/bridges/transportation. ARPA one-time funds deployed and tracked via Transparent Idaho. Medicaid expansion (90K+ enrolled) brings ~90% federal match. Signed Feb 2026 bill conforming to federal One Big Beautiful Bill tax changes ($155M FY2026 revenue impact). 63% of Idaho land is federally owned — ongoing BLM/Forest Service coordination critical.
USASpending.gov — Idaho; DFM FY2026 Budget; NTIA BEAD; Idaho Capital Sun Feb 2026
2
Federal corrective action plans
No major federal corrective actions or program suspensions during 7+ year tenure. $5.4B+ in annual federal funds flowing without interruption. Medicaid work requirement waiver denied by federal courts but no punitive action. Single Audit findings standard — no material weaknesses triggering federal sanctions.
Federal Agency State Reviews; Idaho Single Audit Reports; CMS Records
3
Interstate cooperation
Little served as WGA Chair — launched 'Working Lands, Working Communities Initiative' examining western community/federal land management relationships. 63% of Idaho is federally owned — makes interstate cooperation on fire, water, and grazing essential. Historic Coeur d'Alene Tribe water rights settlement (March 2026) resolved 150-year dispute and protects North Idaho water users. INL (890 sq mi DOE nuclear lab) requires federal/state coordination.
Western Governors' Association; Coeur d'Alene Water Settlement March 2026; INL Records
2
Local government relations
Standard local government relations with Idaho's 200 cities and 44 counties. Coeur d'Alene water settlement protects 10,000 acre-feet/year of future water rights, ensuring North Idaho cities can grow. Property tax relief programs maintained: homeowner exemption (50% up to $125K), Circuit Breaker reduction (up to $1,500). Growth management tensions with Boise metro (Ada County median home price $555K, up from $340K in 2019) — limited state-level intervention.
Idaho Association of Cities; Coeur d'Alene Settlement; Idaho Tax Commission Property Tax Data
3
Federal litigation costs
Limited costly federal litigation. Medicaid work requirement challenge was modest cost — state complied with adverse ruling. HB 710 library law defended in two federal lawsuits (9th Circuit found 'likelihood of success' for plaintiffs on overbreadth). Joined multi-state coalitions supporting federal immigration enforcement. Abortion ban trigger law litigation handled at state level. No massive damages or consent decrees.
Idaho AG Litigation Reports; 9th Circuit HB 710 Ruling; Multi-State Coalition Records
2
Constituent inquiry response
Governor's office maintains constituent services through gov.idaho.gov/contact with online inquiry form and phone line. HB 93 school choice generated 1,000+ public comments (94% opposed) — high constituent engagement. Press releases, executive orders, and appointment records published online. Office responsive to wildfire, flooding, and COVID inquiries during emergencies.
Governor's Office Records (gov.idaho.gov); HB 93 Public Comment Data
3
Town halls held
Regular public appearances across Idaho's 44 counties — maintains presence in rural and urban areas. Signed Coeur d'Alene water settlement at Boise ceremony with tribal leaders (March 2026). Annual State of the State address. Delivered wildfire preparedness proclamations. However, critics note insufficient town halls given state's rapid growth challenges. Lives in Emmett — maintains rural Idaho connection.
Governor's Office Schedule; Governor's Public Appearance Records
2
Constituent satisfaction
Won 2022 primary 52.8% vs McGeachin's 32.2% (nearly 60,000 vote margin). Trump endorsed Little for 2026 reelection (June 2025) — significant political validation. Announced 2026 third-term bid (Feb 2026, no term limits in Idaho). IFF/Freedom Caucus remains hostile — called State of the State '90% platitudes about big government' — but Little maintains mainstream GOP support. Revenue shortfall and budget cuts may erode standing.
Morning Consult Governor Approval; Idaho SOS 2022 Primary; Idaho Capital Sun Feb 2026; East Idaho News June 2025
2
ADA compliance
Standard ADA compliance maintained across state facilities and programs. Idaho Commission on Human Rights handles disability discrimination complaints. Governor's office website (gov.idaho.gov) meets web accessibility standards. State buildings and services maintained per federal ADA requirements. No DOJ enforcement actions or ADA lawsuits against state during tenure.
Idaho Commission on Human Rights; DOJ ADA Reviews; Governor's Office
3
Electoral accountability
Won 2022 reelection with ~61% in general election. Won GOP primary 52.8% vs McGeachin 32.2% (~60K vote margin). Announced 2026 third-term bid (Feb 2026) — Idaho has no gubernatorial term limits. Trump endorsed (June 2025). First elected 2018, re-elected 2022. Prior: appointed Lt. Gov (2009), elected Lt. Gov (2010, 2014). 25+ year continuous public service career demonstrating electoral durability.
Idaho Secretary of State 2022 Election Results; 2026 Campaign Announcement; East Idaho News
2

Section B — State Outcomes 558/975

13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.

BLS LAUS: Unemployment 3.6% (Dec 2025) — below national average. Total nonfarm jobs increased 1.0% (9,000) in Dec 2025. GDP growth positive. Population growth driving economic expansion. BEA: Per capita income below national average but improving. Business-friendly regulatory environment. However: revenue shortfall from tax cuts created fiscal stress.
Census Vintage 2024: Idaho population reached 2,001,619 (July 2024) — surpassed 2 million for first time. Added 30,497 people in 2024 at 1.5% growth rate (7th nationally). From 2020-2024: 73.3% of growth from net domestic migration (CA, OR, WA relocations), 13.4% international migration, 13.3% natural increase. Total growth since 2020: 10.4% (190,610 new residents). Natural increase only 6,195 (declining births). Demographics: 82% White, ~13% Hispanic, 5 federally recognized tribes (Census ACS). Idaho Dept of Labor projects population hitting 2.4M by 2034, with 44% of growth in Boise metro (Ada County). Population growth both achievement and challenge — straining housing, schools, and infrastructure.
AAA credit rating maintained (Fitch June 2025). Low debt per capita. Pension ~90%+ funded (among best). BUT: $400M+ annual tax cuts creating structural revenue shortfall. Corporate income tax down 50.3%. Emergency 3% budget cuts ordered. Governor warned about magnitude but signed. Reserves being drawn down. Trajectory concerning despite strong starting position.
FBI UCR 2024: Idaho total crime rate 1,248.2/100K — 55% BELOW national average of 2,752.3. Violent crime 2.4/1,000 vs national 4.0 (13th safest). Property crime 736.3/100K — lowest property crime rate of any state. Total crime rate decreased 35.2% over 6 years (2019-2024, from 1,925 to 1,248). Year-over-year: total crime down 5.8%, though violent crime up 1.3% (2023-2024). Idaho Statistical Analysis Center reported 6.3% drop in total offense rate — lowest in two decades. Drug issues (meth, fentanyl) growing in rural areas — HB 406 (2024) added mandatory minimums for fentanyl possession. Incarceration: 10,023 inmates vs 8,200 capacity; ~600 housed at private AZ prison ($85/day). Boise metro growth creating urban challenges.
NAEP 2024: Idaho 4th graders outperform national averages in reading and math. 4th grade math proficiency 41% (up from 36%). BUT: 8th grade math at lowest in decade. 4th grade reading at lowest in decade (32%). Mixed signals. School choice legislation ($50M) controversial. Per-pupil spending below national average.
Medicaid expansion implemented per 2018 voter Proposition 2 (60.6% approval) — 355K total enrollees (May 2025), ~89,600 in expansion group (down from 145K peak during COVID). Expansion reduced FQHC uninsured patients: Terry Reilly Health Services saw uninsured drop from 30% to under 10%. Revenue from Medicaid increased 40%+ (2020-2022), allowing hiring of behavioral health and dental staff. Transitioning to managed care model. Rural healthcare access challenges significant across 83,574 sq mi (7th largest state). Life expectancy near national average (~77). Provider shortages in rural areas. Risk: One Big Beautiful Bill may cut $4.3B federal Medicaid funding over decade; 58K may lose coverage (KFF May 2025).
FHWA: roads in moderate condition across 83,574 sq mi. Bridges generally acceptable — ITD maintains 4,724 bridges. IIJA funding captured for roads/bridges. $583M BEAD broadband allocation (NTIA approved Initial Proposal Apr/Sept 2024) being deployed for rural connectivity gaps. Coeur d'Alene Tribe water rights settlement (March 2026) protects 10,000 acre-feet/year of future water rights for North Idaho growth. Agricultural water infrastructure critical for $8B+ ag economy (dairy, potatoes, wheat). Rapid Boise metro growth (Ada County population surge) straining highway capacity. New transportation bonds issued while maintaining low debt per Fitch/Moody's. Power grid stable — no TX-style failures. Rural roads aging across 44 counties.
BEA RPP: Idaho prices roughly at national average (93-96 RPP historically but rising). Housing costs surged dramatically with in-migration — Boise median home price doubled 2019-2022 before moderating. Tax cuts offset some cost burden. Cost of living rising faster than wages for existing residents while still attractive to in-migrants from higher-cost states.
Idaho Public Records Act (Idaho Code 74-101 et seq.) provides fast response times: 3 days typical, 10 days maximum — among fastest in US. However, 92 explicit FOIA exemptions in statute (more than most states). Transparent Idaho (transparent.idaho.gov) provides financial/salary data for 198 cities with interactive charts; added public education data (Apr 2025). State Controller's Office launched enhanced city transparency features (Oct 2024). IDOG (Idahoans for Openness in Government) monitors compliance. DFM publishes budget at dfm.idaho.gov with JFAC hearing records publicly available. Legislative Services Office publishes ACFR and audit reports at legislature.idaho.gov. ARPA spending tracked on Transparent Idaho portal. Limited compared to larger states but functional for small-state scale.
Revenue shortfall from excessive tax cuts requiring emergency budget cuts. Library book restriction law (HB 710) facing two federal lawsuits over constitutionality. School choice reversal after six years of opposition. COVID response criticized (hospitals activated crisis standards of care). Primary challenge from right showed party division. Signed legislation he publicly criticized. Overall: moderate controversy level.
Against Idaho predecessors: maintained AAA credit rating (Fitch reaffirmed June 2025, Moody's Aaa) and presided over 2nd-fastest population growth nationally (2M milestone reached 2024). Regulatory revolution: cut 95%+ of rules, admin code from 8,553 to 5,318 pages — Red Tape Reduction Act and Zero-Based Regulation (made permanent law 2023). Predecessor Otter (R) expanded Medicaid via voter initiative; Little faithfully implemented despite party opposition. Historic Coeur d'Alene Tribe water rights settlement (March 2026) resolved 150-year dispute. BUT: signed $400M+ annual tax cuts (4x his own proposal) causing 50.3% corporate income tax revenue drop and emergency 3% budget cuts. Reversed on school choice after 6 years of opposition. COVID response: hospitals activated crisis standards of care during Delta wave. Signed 'stinking library bill' (HB 710) facing two federal constitutional lawsuits. Pattern of signing legislation he publicly criticized defines complex legacy.
Won 2022 reelection with 60.3%. Won primary against hard-right challenge. Moderate approval in deep-red state. Primary challenge from McGeachin showed some base dissatisfaction. Revenue shortfall and budget cuts may erode approval. Population growth suggests state attractiveness.
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Section C — Oath Fidelity +176 (-378 to +378)

126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.

+3Exemplary +2Strong +1Adequate 0Neutral -1Concerning -2Failing -3Hostile

Protection of Life

Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments
Score: 33 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31
Violent crime rate trend
ID violent crime rate ~220/100K, below national 364. Trend stable during Little tenure. Rapid population growth has not driven crime increase.
FBI UCR/NIBRS; ID State Police
+2
Homicide rate relative to national average
ID homicide rate ~2.5/100K vs national ~6.3. Below average. Small population creates volatility.
FBI UCR; CDC WONDER
+1
Homicide clearance rate
ID homicide clearance rate ~55-60%, near national average. Moscow quadruple homicide (Nov 2022) solved by Idaho State Police/FBI coordination.
FBI UCR; ISP
+1
Law enforcement staffing adequacy
ID law enforcement staffing adequate. Boise metro growing rapidly. Some rural shortages. State Police coverage across 83,574 sq mi.
FBI LEOKA; BJS CSLLEA
+1
Drug overdose death rate trend
ID overdose death rate ~18-20/100K, below national ~33. Fentanyl growing concern on I-84/I-90 corridors. Stable but not declining.
CDC WONDER; NCHS
0
Emergency management preparedness
ID OEM well-organized for wildfire, flooding, earthquake risks. Annual wildfire responses adequate. FEMA FMAG secured for multiple fires (2024-2025).
FEMA SPR; ID OEM
+2
Preventable mass-casualty event response
COVID crisis standards of care activation (Sept 2021) — care rationing occurred. Not infrastructure failure but resource limitation during Delta surge. Wildfire evacuations adequate.
FEMA; Governor's crisis standards press release
+1
Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions
ITD maintains roads across 83,574 sq mi. Structurally deficient bridges below national average. Rapid Boise metro growth straining capacity. No catastrophic failures.
FHWA NBI; ASCE ID
+1
Water and dam safety compliance
ID water systems generally compliant. Agricultural water infrastructure critical for $8B+ agricultural economy. Some water scarcity concerns growing. Coeur d'Alene mining cleanup ongoing.
EPA SDWIS; ID Water Resources
+1
Healthcare access — uninsured rate
ID uninsured rate ~9-10%. Medicaid expansion (voter Prop 2, 2018) covers ~90K. Rural healthcare gaps significant. Limited hospital infrastructure.
Census ACS; KFF
0
Maternal mortality rate
ID maternal mortality approximately 15-20/100K, near national average. Rural access challenges. Small birth population creates volatility.
CDC WONDER; NCHS
+1
Infant mortality rate
ID infant mortality ~5.0-5.5/1,000 live births, near national average. Adequate current outcomes.
CDC WONDER; NCHS
+1
Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground
ID has Castle Doctrine + Stand Your Ground + no duty to retreat + civil immunity (ID Code §18-4009). Strong self-defense rights.
ID Code §18-4009; NRA-ILA
+3
Death penalty procedural safeguards
ID retains death penalty. Limited use. Mandatory appellate review. Idaho Code §19-2719. Adequate procedural safeguards.
DPIC; ID Code §19-2719
+1
Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes
ID has elevated suicide rate (~22-24/100K vs ~14 national). Rural isolation and firearms access contribute. State-funded prevention exists but outcomes poor.
CDC WISQARS; AFSP ID
-1
911/emergency response time adequacy
Urban areas (Boise) meet NFPA standards. Rural response times inherently longer across vast state. Many areas 30+ minutes from response.
NFPA; ID EMS registry
0
Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding
ID overdose deaths below national average. I-84 corridor interdiction ongoing. PDMP operational.
SAMHSA; CDC WONDER; ID Board of Pharmacy
+1
Veteran suicide and healthcare access
ID veteran suicide elevated consistent with high overall state rate. Boise VA Medical Center serves state. Limited state-supplemented programs.
VA SAIL; HUD PIT count
0
Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement
ID Dept of Agriculture food safety adequate. Large agricultural sector ($8B+) creates inspection demands. No major outbreak failures.
FDA Conformance; ID Dept of Agriculture
+1
Workplace fatality rate
ID workplace fatality rate ~4-5/100K FTE, above national average. Agriculture, mining, and timber industries contribute elevated risk.
BLS CFOI
0
Domestic violence fatality rate and funding
ID has DV programs. Rural isolation limits shelter access. Firearms prevalence and rural dynamics create concerns. Average performance.
NNEDV; ID DHW
0
Correctional facility death rate and conditions
IDOC building ~1,000 new beds by 2027. New women's facility under construction in Kuna. Some inmates housed out-of-state in Arizona ($85/day). Conditions strained but improving.
BJS; IDOC
0
Pollution-related mortality and environmental health
ID generally good air quality. Coeur d'Alene mining contamination cleanup (150+ years of mining, 20,000 acres wetlands) ongoing. Wildfire smoke seasonal concern.
EPA Green Book; EPA Region 10; ID DEQ
+1
Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate
ID traffic fatality rate ~1.4-1.6/100M VMT, near or slightly above national average. Long distances and rural roads contribute.
NHTSA FARS; ITD
0
Sanctity of life legislative framework
ID has near-total abortion ban (trigger law effective Aug 2022). Only exception: documented rape/incest (police report required) or life of mother. Among strictest.
Guttmacher; ID Code; Dobbs
+2
Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence
Won lawsuit against illegal encampment near Capitol; stated 'We are not Portland.' Idaho has comparatively low homelessness.
Fox News, KTVB 2023-2024
+2
Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion
ID population surpassed 2 million in 2024, 1.5% growth rate. 74% of growth from domestic migration.
ID Census Data 2024
+3
Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement
Major 'Back the Blue' investments, new ISP district facility, forensics lab. Deployed ISP to Texas border for fentanyl interdiction.
ID Governor's Office
+3
Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail
Signed firing squad bill as primary execution method (2025). Signed death penalty for child sexual abuse. Tough-on-crime stance.
Boise State Public Radio 2025
+2
Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities
Fought transgender inmate sex reassignment surgery case to US Supreme Court.
ID Governor's Office
+2
Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention
No major involuntary commitment reform or mental health court expansion found.
General research
+1

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (I-X); 14th Amendment
Score: 54 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29
Second Amendment — right to carry status
ID enacted constitutional/permitless carry (2016, before Little). Little maintained. No restrictions on concealed/open carry for residents 18+.
ID Code §18-3302K; NRA-ILA
+3
Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions
No restrictions beyond federal law. No assault weapons ban. Strong gun culture.
ID Code; NRA-ILA
+3
Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions
No magazine capacity restrictions.
ID Code; NRA-ILA
+3
Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process
ID has NO red flag/ERPO law. Full due process maintained.
ID Legislature records; NRA-ILA
+3
First Amendment — campus free speech protections
Boise State and UI generally respect free expression. No major suppression incidents. No specific state statute.
FIRE campus rankings
+1
First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections
ID has no specific anti-SLAPP statute.
Public Participation Project
0
First Amendment — religious liberty protections
Strong religious liberty tradition. Large LDS population. Conservative culture supports religious freedom. No state RFRA but robust protections.
ID Constitution; Becket Fund
+2
Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance
ID follows federal Carpenter standard. No mass surveillance programs.
EFF; ACLU ID
+1
Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform
ID has moderate forfeiture protections. Some reform enacted.
Institute for Justice
+1
Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo
ID has strong property rights protections. Ranching culture reinforces property rights. Post-Kelo reforms limit economic development takings.
ID eminent domain statutes
+2
Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines
Little cut 95% of admin rules (8,553 to 5,318 pages). Zero-Based Regulation made permanent 2023. Red Tape Reduction Act requires 2 rules repealed for 1 added. Least-regulated state.
EO 2020-01; ID Office of Admin Rules
+3
Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance
Little vetoed emergency powers bills from legislature but supported state sovereignty. 63% federal land creates tension. Moderate resistance posture.
Governor's veto statements; ID AG
+1
Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination
ID has merit-based contracting. Standard nondiscrimination provisions.
ID procurement data
+1
Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws
ID has strong firearms preemption statute. No local gun restrictions permitted beyond state law.
ID Code; NRA-ILA preemption
+3
First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance
ID Public Records Act compliance standard. 92 statutory exemptions — more than most states. Fast response times (3 days typical) but many exemptions.
ID AG; ID Code 74-101; IDOG
+1
Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy
ID public defender system has capacity constraints. Rural areas underserved. Caseloads at or above recommended limits.
Sixth Amendment Center; ID public defender
0
Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention
ID has standard bail system. No extreme pretrial detention patterns.
Pretrial Justice Institute; ID court records
+1
Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom
ID ranks top 5 nationally for economic freedom per Cato/Fraser. Least-regulated state after Zero-Based Regulation. Strong property rights.
Cato Freedom Index; Fraser Institute
+3
Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms cases
Little/ID AG supportive of 2A. Joins pro-2A multistate amicus briefs.
ID AG amicus filings
+2
First Amendment — compelled speech protections
No DEI mandates. SB 266 banned DEI offices at public universities. Zero-Based Regulation eliminated many regulatory speech mandates.
ID Admin Rules; SB 266
+2
Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers
ID has minimal interstate trade barriers. Agricultural exports flow freely. Business-friendly environment.
IJ licensing data
+1
Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform
ID has reduced licensing requirements significantly through Zero-Based Regulation. Military spouse reciprocity. Among most reformed states.
IJ License to Work; NCSL
+2
Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations
PERSI funded ratio 85.4%. Board approved contribution increase. Improving trajectory. Adequate compliance.
Pew pension data; PERSI
+1
Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access
ID has standard jury trial access. No documented access crisis.
ID Judiciary; NCSC
+1
Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause adherence
ID complies with 8 USC §1373. No sanctuary cities. E-Verify for state agencies. Medicaid expansion per voter mandate with eligibility verification. Standard compliance.
8 USC §1373; ID DHW
+2
Qualified immunity / due process for officers
No action to eliminate qualified immunity. Strongly pro-law-enforcement stance.
ID Governor's Office
+2
Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody
Executive Order 2024-07 'Only Citizens Will Vote Act.' Verified all 1.1M registered voters for citizenship. Constitutional amendment passed.
ID Governor's Office; ID Capital Sun
+3
Non-citizen voting prevention
First state to take executive action ensuring only citizens vote. Used SAVE database to verify all 1.1M voters.
ID Governor's Office 2024
+3
Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics
Signed HB 500 (2020) — first state law banning transgender women from women's sports. Defended to Supreme Court.
ESPN, ACLU; Little v. Hecox
+3

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer v. Nebraska (1923), Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), Troxel v. Granville (2000)
Score: 19 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25
Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition
ID has common law parental rights protections. Conservative culture supports parental authority. HB 1557-style bills introduced but not all passed.
ID statutes; Parental Rights Foundation
+1
Education choice — school choice programs
Signed HB 93 (Feb 2025) — $50M universal school choice tax credit. Idaho became 14th state with universal choice. Significant expansion despite late reversal from prior opposition.
EdChoice ID; HB 93
+2
Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors
ID requires parental consent for most medical procedures on minors. Standard consent framework.
ID minor consent statutes; Guttmacher
+1
Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions
Idaho HB 71 (2023) — felony criminal penalties for performing gender-transition procedures on minors. Among the strictest bans in the nation, with criminal enforcement. Little signed into law.
HB 71; ID Code
+3
Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend
ID child maltreatment rate near national average. EO 2024-05 split DHW child welfare into two divisions to improve oversight.
ACF NCANDS; EO 2024-05
0
Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment
ID has mixed CFSR results. Child welfare reorganization (EO 2024-05) shows awareness of issues. Improvement plan in progress.
ACF CFSR; EO 2024-05
0
Foster care — permanency outcomes
ID foster care permanency outcomes near national average. Some improvement with DHW reorganization but not yet strong.
ACF AFCARS; ID DHW
0
Child trafficking prevention and prosecution
ID has child trafficking statute and ICAC participation. I-84/I-90 corridors monitored.
Polaris Project; ID State Police
+1
Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency
ID 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency ~30-32%, near national average. Adequate but not strong.
NCES NAEP 2022
0
Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency
ID 8th grade NAEP math proficiency ~26-28%, near national average.
NCES NAEP 2022
0
Parental curriculum transparency
No specific statutory parental curriculum transparency law. District-level policies vary.
ID Education Code
0
Social media — minor protections
ID relies on federal COPPA. No state social media minor protection legislation.
NCSL social media tracker
0
Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment
ID has adequate juvenile justice system. Low juvenile incarceration rate. Rehabilitation approaches.
JJDPA; OJJDP ID profile
+1
Child poverty rate and state response
ID child poverty rate ~12-13%, below national average. Strong economy and growth support families. Rapid population growth creating some challenges.
Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT
+1
Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support
ID has standard adoption programs. Child welfare reorganization may improve permanency outcomes. Faith-based agencies operating.
ACF AFCARS; ID DHW
0
Homeschool rights and protections
ID has permissive homeschool framework. No approval or testing required. Among most homeschool-friendly states.
HSLDA ID; ID Code
+2
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) enforcement
ID AG and ISP participate in ICAC task force. Adequate enforcement.
ICAC; NCMEC; ISP
+1
School safety — violence prevention and incident response
ID has low school violence rates. Small communities provide natural safety. No major school safety incidents during Little tenure.
NASRO; ID education safety
+1
Children's mental health services access
ID children's mental health access limited in rural areas. High suicide rate concerning. Some state programs but gaps significant.
ASCA ratio; SAMHSA ID
0
Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections
ID allows religious and philosophical exemptions for school immunization. Broad parental choice protections. ~48.6% COVID vaccination rate reflects culture.
NCSL vaccination data; CDC
+2
Child care affordability and access
ID child care access limited in rural areas. Rapid population growth straining capacity. State subsidy exists but limited.
ACF CCDF; NWLC
0
Education — teacher quality and retention
ID teacher salaries below national average. 19.2% state employee turnover affects education. $410M education investment (2022) helped but persistent challenges.
NCES; ID DHR
0
Child nutrition — food insecurity rate
ID child food insecurity ~12-13%, near national average. Agricultural state provides food access.
USDA ERS; Feeding America
+1
Custody and family court — due process in child removal
ID Family Court has standard due process framework. No class action litigation.
ID District Courts; ABA
+1
Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance
ID IDEA compliance adequate. Standard special education services.
OSEP; IDEA Part B data
+1

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Sworn oath: 'faithfully discharge the duties of office'
Score: 70 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41
Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit
Idaho runs consistent balanced budgets, maintains healthy reserves (~$900M+ rainy day fund), and holds strong credit ratings (Aa1/AA+). No structural deficit. Conservative fiscal management with recurring surpluses.
ID DFM; Idaho Capital Sun
+2
State credit rating stability
Fitch AAA (5th consecutive year, June 2025). Moody's Aaa (Oct 2025). Strong ratings maintained despite revenue concerns.
Fitch; Moody's
+3
Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy
Total reserves ~$1.4B (Dec 2025). $880M+ primary fund + $265M education stabilization. Strong reserves but being eroded by tax cuts.
ID Treasurer; JFAC
+2
Pension system funding responsibility
PERSI funded ratio 85.4% with 10.8-year amortization. Board approved 1.25% contribution increase. Above-average funded.
PERSI 2024 ACFR
+2
State debt burden
Among lowest per capita state debt (~$1,800 vs $3,500+ national). Even with new bonds, debt expected to remain low.
Census; Fitch; Moody's
+2
Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita
State employee turnover 19.2% — significant workforce problem. DHR says pay 'has not kept up with inflation over past decade.' 3-4% budget cuts reduce headcount.
Census Public Employment; ID DHR
+1
Inspector General / state auditor independence
LSO Audit Division conducts independent audits. No interference documented. Audit cooperation cited by Fitch/Moody's.
ID LSO Audit Division; Fitch/Moody's
+2
Ethics violations and personal scandals
No ethics violations or personal scandals across 7+ years. Clean record — rancher background. No investigations.
ID Ethics Commission; media
+3
Executive order restraint
EOs generally within authority. COVID stay-at-home EO faced legislative pushback. Budget cut EOs (2025) within statutory authority. Some tension with legislature.
Governor's EOs; court records
+1
Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits
COVID emergency powers faced significant legislative pushback. Four former governors supported Little's veto of emergency powers restriction bills. Powers eventually relinquished.
ID emergency statutes; legislature records
+1
Legislative cooperation — veto override rate
Zero vetoes overridden. But legislature pushed tax cuts 4x beyond governor's recommendation. Governor described as 'cornered.' Strained relationship.
ID Legislature Journal
+1
Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity
Judicial Council merit selection process. Appointees meet qualification standards. No controversies.
ID Judicial Council; State Bar
+2
Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation
Implemented Medicaid expansion per voter Prop 2. Zero-Based Regulation made permanent. But signed library bill he called 'stinking' — 9th Circuit found overbreadth. Mixed execution.
State agency records; 9th Circuit HB 710
+1
Federal fund utilization — grant management
$583M BEAD broadband. Medicaid expansion. IIJA funds. ARPA tracked via Transparent Idaho. Good federal fund capture.
Federal Audit Clearinghouse; NTIA BEAD
+2
Public approval as competence indicator
Moderate approval. Won 2022 primary against McGeachin challenge from right. Trump endorsed for 2026. Adequate but not exceptional popularity.
Morning Consult; 2022 results
+1
State IT security and data protection
IT Modernization entering Phase 4. Operation Cyber Idaho with Guard and Boise State. Cybersecurity improving.
NASCIO; ITS; Operation Cyber Idaho
+1
Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution
New women's correctional facility. 5 IDOC projects adding ~1,000 beds. $583M BEAD broadband. Adequate execution.
ID DFM Capital; IDOC; NTIA BEAD
+1
Disaster fund readiness
$1.4B total reserves provide strong emergency buffer. JFAC approved dedicated fire suppression reserve fund. Above-average readiness.
FEMA data; ID Treasurer; JFAC
+2
Workforce development — unemployment system integrity
ID unemployment ~3.5%. UI system functional. $80M career training investment. 27.7% population growth since 2010 creates labor demand.
DOL UI Data; ID DOL
+1
Medicaid program integrity
Medicaid expansion per voter Prop 2 — 90K enrolled. Unwinding reduced from 145K to 90K, showing active eligibility verification. Standard compliance.
CMS; ID DHW Medicaid
+1
Election administration — constitutional compliance
ID elections administered competently. Paper ballot audit trails. Photo ID required. Standard administration.
EAC EAVS; ID SOS
+1
Transparency — state budget accessibility
Transparent Idaho portal publishes financial/salary data. ARPA spending tracked. Adequate but not comprehensive.
U.S. PIRG; transparent.idaho.gov
+1
Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty
Complies with federal immigration law. No sanctuary cities. 63% federal land creates inherent friction. Cooperates on most federal programs.
DOJ; BLM; ID AG
+1
Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning
Lt. Governor Scott Bedke in place. Clear succession statute. 7+ years stable governance.
ID Constitution; FEMA COOP
+2
Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity
No procurement scandals. Transparent Idaho publishes contracts. Clean GFOA audits. Standard oversight.
ID procurement data; state controller
+2
Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade
ID gas tax 33 cents/gallon, slightly above average. No gas tax increase but no reduction either.
ID Tax Commission
+1
Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy
ID electricity 12.51 cents/kWh, 4th lowest nationally. Average bill $115/month vs $146 national.
EIA; Idaho Power 2025
+2
Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness
No forced renewable mandates. Diverse energy mix with hydro base. Pragmatic energy approach.
ID Governor's Office
+2
Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median
ID effective property tax 0.48%. Signed $100M property tax relief bill (2025). Total $4.6B in tax relief.
ID Governor's Office 2025
+2
Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business
Idaho ranked least regulated state in nation. Over $400M in tax cuts in 2025 session.
ID Governor's Office; ID Capital Sun 2025
+3
Unfunded mandates on municipalities
Conservative budget management avoids unfunded mandates. State surplus allows funding to local governments.
ID Governor's Office
+2
Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend
Strong economic growth, low regulation, significant tax cuts. Housing costs rising due to migration pressure but overall affordable.
ID Governor's Office
+2
Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies
Signed statement backing Trump deportation policies. Deployed ISP to border. No sanctuary policies.
ID Capital Sun Dec 2024
+2
Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes
Low homelessness rates. Encampment enforcement active.
KTVB, Fox News
+1
Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling
Won encampment lawsuit near Capitol. 'We are not Portland' philosophy.
Fox News, KTVB
+2
Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving
74% of population growth from domestic migration. Population surpassed 2M in 2024.
ID Census 2024; Boise State Radio
+3
Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy
Least regulated state. Major business attraction. Population growth driven largely by California migration.
ID Governor's Office
+3
DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors
No specific action on removing rogue prosecutors.
General research
0
Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency
Executive Order requiring citizenship verification for all voters. Constitutional amendment passed.
ID Governor's Office 2024-2025
+3
Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents
No evidence of weaponizing state agencies.
General research
+1
Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes
Banned TikTok on state devices. Stated ID land cannot be sold to hostile foreign governments.
ID Governor's Office
+2
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