Idaho Gov. Brad Little Overturns Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin’s Orders Made While He Was Out Of State

On Wednesday, Gov. Brad Little (R-Idaho) issued an executive order repealing an order by the lieutenant governor prohibiting statewide COVID-19 vaccine passports and mandatory testing.

Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin (R-Idaho), a far-right Republican, sought to ban all the COVID-related restrictions just a day before using her temporary position as an acting governor when Little was in Texas for a photo opportunity on the Mexico border.

“Today, as Acting Governor, I fixed Gov. Little’s Executive Order on “vaccine passports” to make sure that K-12 schools and universities cannot require vaccinations OR require mandatory testing. I will continue to fight for your individual Liberty!” McGeachin tweeted.

Today, as Acting Governor, I fixed Gov. Little's Executive Order on "vaccine passports" to make sure that K-12 schools and universities cannot require vaccinations OR require mandatory testing. I will continue to fight for your individual Liberty! #idpol pic.twitter.com/Jz87jfZaWc

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— Janice McGeachin (@JaniceMcGeachin) October 5, 2021

After Little overturned McGeachin’s executive order, the governor made it clear that his temporary absence in his state can’t be used to undermine his power in the state government.

“My temporary presence in Texas on official business impair my ability to represent the people of Idaho, thus necessitating action by another executive to ensure the continuity of state government,” Little said in his executive order.

As the state is experiencing a crisis due to the unvaccinated patients overflowing hospitals, Little has issued some executive orders on COVID-related issues but health experts say much stronger steps are necessary.