Brad Little

Brad Little
Name	Brad Little
Order	33rd
Office	Governor of Idaho
Lieutenant	Janice McGeachin, Scott Bedke
Term start	January 7, 2019
Predecessor	Butch Otter
Party	Republican
Spouse	Teresa Soulen, 1978
Alma mater	University of Idaho
Birth date	15 February 1954
Birth place	Emmett, Idaho, U.S.

Brad Little. Brad Little is an American politician and businessman serving as the 33rd Governor of Idaho since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the 42nd Lieutenant Governor of Idaho under Butch Otter. His tenure has focused on fiscal conservatism, tax relief, and infrastructure investment, while navigating challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic in Idaho.

Early life and education

Brad Little was born in Emmett, Idaho, into a family with deep roots in the state's agricultural and political history. His grandfather, J. R. "Jake" Simplot, was a prominent Idaho businessman and founder of the J. R. Simplot Company. Little attended local schools before enrolling at the University of Idaho, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics. His education and family background provided a foundational understanding of Idaho's primary economic sectors.

Business career

Prior to entering full-time politics, Little managed the Little Land and Livestock Company, a ranching operation in Emmett, Idaho. He was actively involved in various agricultural and business organizations, including the Idaho Wool Growers Association and the Idaho Cattle Association. His business career emphasized the management of natural resources and solidified his standing within the state's influential agricultural community, which later informed his policy perspectives.

Political career

Little's political career began with his appointment to the Idaho Senate in 2001, representing District 8. He was subsequently elected and re-elected, serving until 2009. In the Idaho Senate, he chaired the Senate Transportation Committee and served on the Senate Finance Committee. In 2009, he was appointed by Governor Butch Otter to the position of Lieutenant Governor of Idaho, a role he held for a decade, acting as president of the Idaho Senate and focusing on economic development initiatives.

Governor of Idaho

Elected in the 2018 election, Little succeeded Butch Otter and was sworn in on January 7, 2019. He was re-elected in the 2022 election. His administration has prioritized significant tax cuts, including the largest in state history, and increased funding for education and transportation infrastructure. He has overseen the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Idaho, balancing public health measures with an emphasis on keeping businesses open. His tenure has also seen debates over water rights, public lands management, and rapid population growth in areas like the Treasure Valley.

Political positions

Little is a fiscal and social conservative. He has signed legislation reducing income tax rates and corporate taxes, and has consistently advocated for a balanced state budget. On social issues, he has signed bills restricting abortion access, such as a trigger law enacted after the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, and legislation pertaining to LGBTQ+ issues. He supports Second Amendment rights and has signed constitutional carry legislation. His approach to federal issues often aligns with Republican priorities, though he has occasionally clashed with more ideologically driven members of his own party, including his former lieutenant governor, Janice McGeachin.

Personal life

Little married Teresa Soulen in 1978, and they have two adult sons. The family operates a ranch in Emmett, Idaho. An avid outdoorsman, Little enjoys hunting, fishing, and riding horses. He is involved with several civic organizations, including the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Idaho Community Foundation. His personal and professional life remains closely tied to the state's agricultural heritage and rural communities.

Category:1954 births Category:Governors of Idaho Category:Idaho Republicans Category:Living people Category:University of Idaho alumni