With the support of his Republican colleagues, Rep. Mike Moyle, R-Star, will be sworn in Thursday as Idaho’s newest speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives.

Moyle, the long-serving majority leader of the House, is starting his 13th term. He takes the place of former speaker, Lt. Gov.-elect Scott Bedke.

Moyle beat Rep. Jason Monks, R-Meridian. Monks previously served as the assistant majority leader.

The speaker of the House oversees the House floor and is responsible for appointing House committee chairs and members.

Rep. Megan Blanksma, R-Hammett, is the new majority leader, taking Moyle’s prior seat. She previously served as  majority caucus chair. Blanksma beat Rep. Vito Barbieri, R-Dalton Gardens.

Rep. Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay, is the new assistant majority leader, taking Monks’ prior seat. Dixon beat Rep. Jon Weber, R-Rexburg, for the post. Rep. Dustin Manwaring, R-Pocatello, is the new caucus chair.

Senate GOP leadership remains unchanged

In the Senate, majority leadership remains unchanged, according to Majority Caucus Chairman Mark Harris. Sen. Chuck Winder, R-Boise, will remain president pro tempore. Winder fended off a challenge from Sen. Lori Den Hartog, R-Meridian.

Sen. Abby Lee, R-Fruitland, held her seat as assistant majority leader, defeating challenger Ben Adams, R-Nampa. Adams served one term in the House before running for the Senate this year.

Senate Majority Leader Kelly Anthon, R-Burley, survived a challenge from Sen. Dan Foreman, R-Viola, while Harris, R-Soda Springs, was unchallenged.

Democratic leadership elections

Democratic members of the Idaho Legislature selected their party leaders Tuesday with some changes before the 2023 legislative session.

Sen. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, replaces Sen. Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum, as Senate minority leader, after Stennett did not seek re-election.

Rep. James Ruchti, D-Pocatello, who was elected to the Senate in November, was elected assistant minority leader.

Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking, D-Boise, was elected minority caucus chair, a position she has held since 2020.

In the House, Rep. Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, holds her position as House minority leader, as does Rep. Lauren Necochea, D-Boise, the assistant minority leader.

Rep. Ned Burns, D-Bellevue, was elected as minority caucus chair for the first time, replacing Rep. Sally Toone, D-Gooding, who did not run for re-election.