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.”