Scott Bedke

Scott Bedke is an American politician and rancher serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Idaho since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the Speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives for a decade, the longest tenure in the state's history, and represented District 27 in the Idaho House of Representatives for over two decades. Bedke is known as a pragmatic conservative who played a pivotal role in shaping Idaho's fiscal policy and legislative agenda.

Early life and education

Scott Bedke was born in Tremonton, Utah, and was raised on a family cattle ranch in Oakley, Idaho. He attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he earned a degree in Finance. After completing his education, he returned to Idaho to manage and expand the family's ranching and real estate business in the Magic Valley region. His early career in agriculture and business deeply informed his political philosophy and approach to economic issues.

Political career

First elected to the Idaho House of Representatives in 2000, Bedke quickly gained influence within the Idaho Legislature. He served on key committees including the powerful House Revenue and Taxation Committee and the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, where he helped craft the state's annual budget. His legislative focus has consistently been on tax policy, regulatory reform, and natural resource management, aligning with the interests of his rural constituency in southern Idaho.

Speaker of the Idaho House

Elected as Speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives in 2012, Bedke presided over the chamber during a period of significant economic growth and political change in Idaho. He was re-elected to the post five times, working closely with governors including Butch Otter and Brad Little. His tenure was marked by a focus on fiscal conservatism, including passing major income tax cuts, increasing funding for public education, and managing the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He often mediated between the more moderate and far-right wings of the Idaho Republican Party.

Lieutenant Governor of Idaho

In 2022, Bedke was elected Lieutenant Governor of Idaho, defeating the incumbent Janice McGeachin in the Republican primary and Democrat Teri Pickens in the general election. As lieutenant governor, he serves as the president of the Idaho Senate and sits on the Idaho State Board of Education and the Idaho Land Board. In this role, he has continued to advocate for economic development, water resource policy, and educational standards across the state.

Personal life

Bedke lives in Oakley, Idaho, where he and his wife, Sarah, operate a cattle ranch. He is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has served in various local and church leadership capacities. He and his wife have five children and several grandchildren. Bedke is also involved in numerous civic and agricultural organizations, including the Idaho Cattle Association and the National Rifle Association.

Category:1954 births Category:Living people Category:Lieutenant Governors of Idaho Category:Idaho Republicans Category:Members of the Idaho House of Representatives Category:Speakers of the Idaho House of Representatives Category:Brigham Young University alumni Category:People from Cassia County, Idaho Category:American ranchers