Idaho Senate

Idaho Senate
Name	Idaho Senate
House type	Upper house
Body	Idaho Legislature
Term limits	None
New session	January 9, 2023
Leader1 type	President of the Senate
Leader1	Scott Bedke
Party1	(Republican)
Election1	December 1, 2022
Leader2 type	President pro tempore
Leader2	Chuck Winder
Party2	(Republican)
Election2	December 1, 2022
Leader3 type	Majority Leader
Leader3	Kelly Anthon
Party3	(Republican)
Election3	December 1, 2022
Leader4 type	Minority Leader
Leader4	Melissa Wintrow
Party4	(Democratic)
Election4	December 1, 2022
Members	35
Political groups1	Majority (28), Republican (28), Minority (7), Democratic (7)
Term length	2 years
Voting system	First-past-the-post voting
Last election1	November 8, 2022
Next election1	November 5, 2024
Meeting place	Senate Chamber, Idaho State Capitol, Boise, Idaho
Website	https://legislature.idaho.gov/senate/

Idaho Senate. The Idaho Senate is the upper chamber of the Idaho Legislature, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Idaho. It is composed of 35 senators elected from an identical number of legislative districts across the state. The Senate convenes at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise, Idaho and shares lawmaking responsibilities with the Idaho House of Representatives.

History

The Idaho Senate was established with the ratification of the Constitution of Idaho in 1890, coinciding with Idaho's admission to the Union as the 43rd state. Its early sessions were marked by debates over mineral rights, water law, and the political influence of the Populist Party. Throughout the 20th century, the body grappled with issues stemming from the Great Depression, World War II, and the rise of the conservative movement. Significant historical events include the Coeur d'Alene mining labor conflicts and the political realignment that solidified Republican control in the latter half of the century.

Membership and elections

Members of the Idaho Senate are elected to two-year terms with no term limits. Elections are held in even-numbered years, coinciding with the presidential or midterm federal election cycles. Senators must be at least 21 years old, a United States citizen, and have resided in their legislative district for at least one year prior to the election. The state is divided into 35 legislative districts by the Idaho Commission for Reapportionment following each United States Census, with each district electing one senator via First-past-the-post voting.

Powers and duties

The Senate holds the sole power to confirm gubernatorial appointments, including heads of state agencies and members of boards and commissions, through its "advice and consent" role. It shares equal legislative power with the Idaho House of Representatives, including the authority to introduce and pass bills, override gubernatorial vetoes with a two-thirds vote, and propose amendments to the Constitution of Idaho. The Senate also has the exclusive power to try impeachments brought by the House, with the Chief Justice of the Idaho Supreme Court presiding.

Leadership

The presiding officer is the President of the Senate, a position held by the Lieutenant Governor of Idaho, currently Scott Bedke. In the president's absence, the President pro tempore, elected by the majority party, presides; this role is held by Chuck Winder. Day-to-day leadership is provided by the Majority Leader, Kelly Anthon, and the Minority Leader, Melissa Wintrow. Other key officers include the Majority Caucus Chair and the Minority Caucus Chair, who manage party strategy and member communications.

Committees

The Senate conducts much of its detailed work through a system of standing committees. Major committees include the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees the state budget; the Senate State Affairs Committee, which handles elections and government operations; and the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee, which considers legal and procedural matters. Other significant panels are the Senate Education Committee, Senate Health and Welfare Committee, and Senate Resources and Environment Committee. Each committee is chaired by a member of the Republican majority.

Current composition

Following the 2022 Idaho legislative election, the Republican Party holds a supermajority of 28 seats, while the Democratic Party holds 7 seats. This composition reflects the longstanding Republican dominance in the chamber and the state's overall political landscape. Notable members include President pro tempore Chuck Winder of Boise, Majority Leader Kelly Anthon of Twin Falls, and Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow, also of Boise. The Senate next faces election for all 35 seats in the 2024 Idaho legislative election.

Category:Idaho Senate Category:State upper houses in the United States