Western States Strategies Statement on Too Close to Call Wallowa County “Greater Idaho” Secessionist Vote

As of Election Night, the second vote on a non-binding “Greater Idaho” resolution in Wallowa County to endorse seceding from Oregon and joining Idaho is too close to call. In response, Western States Strategies Momentum Director Stephen Piggott issued the following statement: 

“Greater Idaho proponents are writing the most recent chapter in a long history of dangerous secessionist movements that appeal to bigotry to fuel division. This effort follows in the footsteps of white nationalists, anti-democracy actors and paramilitary supporters who have been moving to the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West with a vision of creating their own state without the constraints of law or the constitution and, more recently, the ‘American Redoubt’ movement that has mobilized Christian nationalists around a similar goal. 

“The Greater Idaho movement has promoted harmful conspiracy theories and misinformation about election security, public health initiatives, and racial justice in order to manufacture support for their objectives. Greater Idaho ballot measures are supported by well-known proponents of political violence, like People’s Rights leader Ammon Bundy, and a number of white nationalist groups, who see the Greater Idaho efforts as a first step toward their broader goal of secession.

“Many people across Wallowa County stood up and informed their neighbors about the false promises and cynicism of Greater Idaho, offering an inspiring lesson to the rest of Oregon to push back against their dangerous, bigoted agenda. In return, voters responded, and again proved that when voters learn about the truth behind anti-democracy activity, they reject it.”

Western States Strategies Statement on Defeat of Joe Kent

In response to Marie Gluesenkamp Perez’s victory over Joe Kent in the race to fill Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, Western States Strategies’ Momentum Program Director Lindsay Schubiner issued the following statement:

“Over the course of his campaign, Joe Kent openly embraced individuals with a history of violence and long ties to bigoted movements, and he repeatedly pushed anti-democracy rhetoric and conspiracy theories. Voters saw what he was offering and rejected it. 

“This election is an important indication of how far these movements and ideas have gained entry into the electoral mainstream. But it’s also a reminder that Washington voters remain committed to keeping those who support bigotry and political violence out of office. Tonight’s election results are an endorsement not just of Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and the positive vision she laid out for her district, but a rejection of attacks on inclusive democracy.

“Elected officials, community and business leaders, civil society and the free press need to take seriously the threat posed by candidates and officials who amplify white nationalist messages and organize alongside politically violent actors and hold them accountable. Now more than ever, local communities in the Northwest need support from all levels of government and civil society to manage the impact of anti-democracy movements on our community safety and institutions.”

Western States Strategies primarily focuses on strengthening inclusive democracy through nonpartisan education and advocacy. It is affiliated with Western States Center which works nationwide to build a future where all people can live, love, worship, and work free from bigotry and fear.

Western States Strategies Statement on Tina Kotek and Jo Ann Hardesty Elections

In response to the election of Tina Kotek as Oregon’s next governor and the electoral defeat of incumbent Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, Western States Strategies’ Deputy Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives Amy Herzfeld-Copple issued the following statement:

“Today’s election of Tina Kotek as Governor of Oregon affirms the state’s rejection of candidates who openly associate with anti-democracy movements. Tina Kotek ran a strong campaign in line with Oregon values of inclusive democracy and has consistently denounced political violence and the multiple ties to anti-democracy groups of her challenger, Christine Drazan. The hard work of organizing across the state in support of Tina Kotek should be celebrated today and expanded going forward to strengthen democracy in the state beyond elections.” 

“The electoral defeat of Jo Ann Hardesty is disappointing for many who recognize her tireless work and progressive achievements during her time in office. Portland has endured targeting by outside white nationalist and anti-democracy groups for years, while Hardesty has faced bigotry on the City Council and seen her views and policies often distorted and demonized. Hardesty was instrumental in building broad coalitions, giving civil society and frontline activists a voice, and tackling systems of injustice and inequality. No city can face rising political and hate violence alone, and when business, government and communities don’t align to defeat white nationalism it often leaves leaders of color vulnerable to targeting. While the city continues to face many challenges, the divisive tone of the campaign to unseat Hardesty—the only Black woman to ever serve on Portland City Council—cannot tarnish her record of accomplishments and deep credibility with racial justice organizers.”

Western States Strategies primarily focuses on strengthening inclusive democracy through nonpartisan education and advocacy. It is affiliated with Western States Center which works nationwide to build a future where all people can live, love, worship, and work free from bigotry and fear.

Idaho Gubernatorial Election: Bundy Defeat

In response to Idaho Governor Brad Little’s victory over anti-democracy leader Ammon Bundy, Western States Strategies’ Deputy Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives Amy Herzfeld-Copple issued the following statement:

“In a week when so many states were considering whether to elect leaders who have taken positions aggressively undermining democratic institutions, it’s heartening to see Idaho voters decisively reject Ammon Bundy’s attempt to build power for his anti-democracy aims. Idahoans continue to make clear that Bundy’s and his supporters’ harassment and intimidation of communities and civic institutions have no place in the Gem State. During the primary and again last night, Idaho voters refused to accept candidates with white nationalist and paramilitary ties, who threaten violence or embrace conspiracy theories about elections, vaccines, and LGBTQ+ people.

“That kind of decisive defeat of extremism doesn’t just happen. In Idaho, business leaders, law enforcement, ranchers, religious figures and ordinary individuals from across the political spectrum made an explicit and intentional effort to stop candidates who traffic in bigotry and political violence. They made clear that instead of dismissing dangerous rhetoric and extremist actors, they would stand up for Idaho values. It worked. This effort is a model for defending democracy that other states can learn from.”

Western States Strategies primarily focuses on strengthening inclusive democracy through nonpartisan education and advocacy. It is affiliated with Western States Center which works nationwide to build a future where all people can live, love, worship, and work free from bigotry and fear.