Wallowa County commissioners urge Oregon, Idaho to rekindle Greater Idaho border talks

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Wallowa County commissioners sent letters to lawmakers in Oregon and Idaho on April 1, asking the states to further discuss changing the border between the states as there is still some support for a handful of eastern Oregon counties to become part of Idaho as part of a Greater Idaho movement.

The letters were sent to Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, Idaho Gov. Brad Little, and both state legislatures, as first reported by the Oregon Capital Chronicle.

In the letters – obtained by KOIN 6 News — Wallowa County commissioners Todd Nash, John Hillnock, and Susan Roberts highlighted local measure no. 32-007, which requires the board of commissioners to meet twice a year to discuss whether the county should “promote the relocation of the Idaho borders to include Wallowa county,” the letters stated.

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“The measure passed in Wallowa County with a vote of 1,752 in favor (approximately 50%) and a vote of 1,745 in opposition. If approved by both State Legislatures, the relocation would then place Wallowa County within the boundaries of the State of Idaho,” the commissioners said. “On behalf of the citizens of Wallowa County, we are asking that you move this item forward to your respective bodies as soon as feasible for discussion,” the letter continued.

In their letters, the commissioners noted they do not support or oppose the measure, but said they support the will of the voters.

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When asked for a response to the letter, a spokesperson for the Oregon Senate Majority Office and a spokesperson for Oregon House Republican Leader Jim Helfrich told KOIN 6 News they had not received the letter.

Idaho Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Winder told KOIN 6 News he received the letter Wednesday afternoon.

KOIN 6 News also reached out to Gov. Kotek and Gov. Little’s offices but has not heard back.

In a statement to KOIN 6 News, Matt McCaw, Executive Director of the Greater Idaho Movement, said, “We are grateful to our county commissioners who have chosen to advocate for what voters are saying they want, and that’s for the Oregon State Legislature to take up the issue of moving the border.

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“Twelve eastern Oregon counties have passed Greater Idaho measures to date, and with Wallowa County we now have seven counties who have formally asked state leaders to take up the issue.  The Greater Idaho movement calls on the Legislature, as well as the Governor, to hear voters out and begin discussions on a border change,” McCaw added.

The Greater Idaho movement is spearheaded by rural Oregonians who want the Idaho border to be moved westward so they can become residents of the Republican-leaning state, rather than Oregon — a state that has been led by Democrats since 1987.

The Greater Idaho movement advocates for a handful of Oregon counties to become part of Idaho – including Baker, Crook, Gilliam, Harney, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, and Wallowa.

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In February, the Idaho House of Representatives passed a bill that authorized their lawmakers to start conversations with counterparts in Oregon.

In 2023, Oregon state Sen. Dennis Linthicum led SJM 2, a proposal requesting the border talks, however, the bill remained in committee.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek previously addressed the push for a “Greater Idaho,” saying she hoped to address the political angst felt by Oregonians in rural eastern counties during visits to every Oregon county during her first year as governor.

“I think there are a lot of Oregonians who are frustrated and don’t feel heard. That, I think, is what the movement is about,” Kotek previously said. “I want to be partners across the border. We have things that we will solve together and I’m hoping through dialogue and conversation, we can address frustrations and concerns and move forward as one state.”

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