Lenney Exits Freedom Caucus; Others Join as Legal Action Possible Against Group’s Leaders

Sen. Brian Lenney (R-Nampa) has announced his resignation from the Idaho Freedom Caucus after the group announced several new members, with a potential legal dispute still on the horizon.

Lenney told his followers that he wanted to ensure his time as a lawmaker, husband, and father was clear of distractions. Here is Lenney’s complete statement on X:

“Since the 2024 primary election, I’ve been reassessing where I invest my energy.

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As a legislator, father of four homeschooled children, husband, and business owner, it’s become painfully clear that I need to eliminate all distractions and focus on what truly matters. Earlier this year, I took the first step by severing ties with the libertarian-esque Young Americans for Liberty group and the chaos-driven DC-based State Freedom Caucus Network. These groups seemed more focused on causing trouble and “being loud” than helping legislators achieve tangible results.

Given the limited time we have on this planet, I’m convinced it’s crucial to cut out distractions and reclaim time wherever possible. That’s why I’m stepping away from the Idaho Freedom Caucus, effective immediately.

I want to make it clear that my decision isn’t due to any wrongdoing or bad blood between members, etc.

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The Idaho Freedom Caucus has consistently championed the advancement of conservative values, which I hold in high regard and I’ll continue to work with them to promote these ideals in Idaho.

This decision is strictly a personal choice to better manage my time and commitments—full stop.”

Lenney’s announcement comes as the organization announced several new members on December 6th:

Rep. Steve Tanner (R – Nampa)
Rep. Cornel Rasor (R – Sagle)
Rep. Kyle Harris (R – Lewiston)
Rep. Bob Beiswenger (R – Bend)

All four new members will be serving their first terms in the Idaho legislature.

Several other members of the Idaho Freedom Caucus are facing potential legal action from the State Freedom Caucus Network, a non-profit organization operating in over a dozen states. The SFCN, based in Washington, D.C., is part of the House Freedom Caucus, which was founded in 2015 with then-Rep. Raul Labrador as a founding member.

The goal of the SFCN was to take the congressional-style HFC and replicate the effort for conservative lawmakers at the state level.

A dispute between the SFCN and the Idaho-based group went public earlier this year, and several group members were denounced by SFCN President Andy Roth.

The current IDFC members facing potential legal action are:

Rep. Heather Scott (R – Blanchard) – Co-Chair
Sen. Tammy Nichols (R – Middleton) – Co-Chair
Rep. Elaine Price (R – Coeur d’Alene) – Secretary/Treasurer
Rep. Dale Hawkins (R- Fernwood)

Potential legal action appears to be over the trademark of the SFCN logo and the name Idaho Freedom Caucus. Both sides have been quiet publicly about any possible solution to the dispute.

Idaho Dispatch contacted Nichols to ask if the group had a statement on Lenney’s resignation and if they had a potential new Vice Chairman. We also asked if Nichols had a comment on the added new members and if she wanted to comment on the legal dispute.

Nichols told Idaho Dispatch she was busy and would not have time to reply by the deadline. Idaho Dispatch will update the article with any responses from Nichols.