Scott Bedke

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Scott Bedke
Scott Bedke
Born27 4, 1958
BirthplaceTwin Falls, Idaho, U.S.
OccupationPolitician, rancher
EducationBrigham Young University (BS)
Spouse(s)Sarah Bedke
AwardsPresident, National Conference of State Legislatures (2022–2023)
Website[scottbedke.com Official site]

Scott Conrad Bedke (born April 27, 1958) is an American politician and rancher serving as the 44th lieutenant governor of Idaho since January 2, 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Bedke represented southern Idaho in the Idaho House of Representatives for more than two decades, from 2001 to 2022, and served as the 41st Speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives from December 2012 to November 2022. His tenure as speaker made him one of the longest-serving holders of that office in modern Idaho history. In 2022, he served as president of the National Conference of State Legislatures. A cattle rancher from the Oakley area in Cassia County, Bedke has been a prominent figure in Idaho Republican politics, combining a background in agriculture with extensive legislative experience. As lieutenant governor, he has taken an active role in state budget discussions and trade promotion, including leading business delegations abroad to develop new markets for Idaho products.

Early Life

Scott Conrad Bedke was born on April 27, 1958, in Twin Falls, Idaho.[1] He was raised in the rural communities of south-central Idaho, a region defined by its agricultural economy and ranching traditions. Bedke grew up in a family with deep ties to the land and the cattle industry. The area around Oakley in Cassia County, where Bedke would eventually establish his own ranching operation, has historically been one of Idaho's prominent livestock-producing regions.

Bedke's upbringing in a ranching family shaped his understanding of the challenges facing rural Idaho communities, including issues related to water resources, public lands management, and agricultural economics. These formative experiences in south-central Idaho would later inform his priorities as a state legislator and statewide officeholder.

Education

Bedke attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.[2] After completing his undergraduate education, Bedke returned to southern Idaho to pursue a career in ranching and agriculture, eventually becoming involved in local and state politics.

Career

Idaho House of Representatives (2001–2022)

Bedke began his career in the Idaho Legislature in 2001, when he took office as the state representative for the 25th district, Seat A, succeeding Jim Kempton.[3] Following redistricting in 2002, Bedke's district was renumbered as the 27th district, and he continued to represent Seat A of that district for the remainder of his tenure in the House.[4]

Bedke won re-election consistently throughout his legislative career. In the 2002 primary election, he secured the Republican nomination in the newly drawn 27th district.[5] He went on to win the 2002 general election.[6] He was re-elected in subsequent election cycles, including in 2004,[7][8] 2006,[9][10] 2008,[11][12] 2010,[13][14] 2012,[15][16] 2014,[17][18] and 2016.[19][20]

Over more than two decades in the Idaho House, Bedke developed a reputation as a pragmatic conservative legislator with particular expertise in agricultural policy, water resources, and state budget matters. His district in south-central Idaho encompassed rural communities dependent on farming and ranching, and these concerns were central to his legislative work.

Speaker of the Idaho House (2012–2022)

In December 2012, Bedke was elected Speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives, defeating fellow Republican Lawerence Denney in a caucus vote.[21] The election represented a leadership transition within the Idaho Republican caucus, as Denney had served as speaker since 2003. Bedke took the speaker's gavel on December 5, 2012, succeeding Denney as the 41st Speaker of the Idaho House.[22]

As speaker, Bedke presided over the Idaho House during a period of significant economic growth in the state. He reflected on the legislative process in a 2013 interview with the Magic Valley Times-News, discussing the challenges and responsibilities of the role.[23] Bedke served as speaker for a decade, from 2012 to 2022, making him one of the longest-serving speakers in modern Idaho legislative history. He was succeeded as speaker by Mike Moyle when Bedke left the House to assume the office of lieutenant governor.

National Conference of State Legislatures

In 2022, Bedke served as president of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), alongside Robin Vos, the speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly, who served as co-president. In this capacity, Bedke represented the interests of state legislators across the country and helped set the organization's national policy agenda. He was succeeded in the NCSL presidency by Brian Patrick Kennedy in 2023.

Lieutenant Governor of Idaho (2023–present)

Bedke won the 2022 Republican primary and general election for lieutenant governor of Idaho, succeeding Janice McGeachin. He took office on January 2, 2023, serving under Governor Brad Little.[24]

As lieutenant governor, Bedke serves as president of the Idaho Senate, presiding over that chamber and casting tie-breaking votes when necessary. The position also places him first in the line of succession to the governorship.

Budget and Fiscal Policy

Bedke has taken an active role in discussions regarding Idaho's state budget. In December 2025, ahead of the 2026 legislative session, Bedke delivered remarks at the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho conference in which he characterized the state's budget situation in stark terms. He accused state lawmakers of engaging in budgeting practices reminiscent of the federal government in Washington, D.C., warning of projected budget shortfalls.[25] These comments were described as deliberately going "off script" as he addressed legislators, lobbyists, and other policy stakeholders about the need for fiscal restraint.[26]

The fiscal challenges facing Idaho were linked in part to the aftermath of income tax cuts that had reduced state revenue, creating a projected shortfall heading into the 2026 legislative session. State leaders, including Bedke, indicated that spending cuts would be necessary to address the deficit.[27] The question of how Idaho would conform to federal tax legislation amid these budget constraints became a central topic of discussion among the state's elected officials.[28]

Agriculture and Water Policy

Bedke has maintained a focus on agricultural and water issues as lieutenant governor. In May 2025, Bedke joined Governor Brad Little in announcing support for a $30 million water infrastructure plan designed to benefit Idaho farmers. The funding was directed toward water infrastructure projects intended to support the state's agricultural sector and address water resource challenges in rural Idaho.[29]

Trade Promotion

In December 2025, Bedke led a trade delegation of 11 Idaho businesses to Vietnam with the objective of expanding international trade opportunities and opening new markets for Idaho products. Upon his return, Bedke discussed the trade prospects generated by the trip, highlighting opportunities for Idaho businesses in the Vietnamese market.[30]

2026 Re-election Campaign

In September 2025, Bedke announced his candidacy for re-election as lieutenant governor of Idaho in the 2026 election. His announcement was accompanied by endorsements from prominent Idaho Republican figures, including Governor Brad Little and U.S. Senator Jim Risch.[31][32]

Personal Life

Scott Bedke is married to Sarah Bedke. The couple resides in the Oakley area of Cassia County, in south-central Idaho, where Bedke has operated a cattle ranching business.[33] His ranching background has been a defining element of his public identity and political career, informing his legislative priorities on issues such as water rights, public lands, and agricultural policy.

Bedke is a graduate of Brigham Young University, a private university operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has maintained ties to the rural communities of the Magic Valley region throughout his political career.

Recognition

Bedke's decade-long tenure as Speaker of the Idaho House of Representatives, from 2012 to 2022, established him as one of the most influential legislative leaders in modern Idaho politics. His election as president of the National Conference of State Legislatures in 2022, a position he held alongside Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, represented national recognition of his legislative leadership.

His endorsement by Governor Brad Little and U.S. Senator Jim Risch during his 2026 re-election campaign reflected his standing within the Idaho Republican Party establishment.[34]

References

  1. ↑ "Scott Bedke – Idaho Legislature".Idaho Legislature.http://legislature.idaho.gov/house/membershipSingle.cfm?ID=5.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ "Scott Bedke – Idaho Legislature".Idaho Legislature.http://legislature.idaho.gov/house/membershipSingle.cfm?ID=5.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ "Scott Bedke – Idaho Legislature".Idaho Legislature.http://legislature.idaho.gov/house/membershipSingle.cfm?ID=5.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ "2002 Primary Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.http://www.sos.idaho.gov/ELECT/results/2002/primary/tot_leg.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "2002 Primary Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.http://www.sos.idaho.gov/ELECT/results/2002/primary/tot_leg.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "2002 General Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.http://www.sos.idaho.gov/ELECT/results/2002/general/tot_leg.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "2004 Primary Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.http://www.sos.idaho.gov/ELECT/RESULTS/2004/primary/tot_leg.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "2004 General Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.http://www.sos.idaho.gov/ELECT/RESULTS/2004/general/tot_leg.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "2006 Primary Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/RESULTS/2006/primary/tot_leg.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "2006 General Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/RESULTS/2006/general/tot_leg.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "2008 Primary Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/RESULTS/2008/Primary/tot_leg.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "2008 General Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/RESULTS/2008/General/tot_leg.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "2010 Primary Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/RESULTS/2010/Primary/tot_leg.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "2010 General Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/results/2010/General/tot_leg.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "2012 Primary Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/RESULTS/2012/Primary/tot_leg.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "2012 General Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/RESULTS/2012/General/tot_leg.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "2014 Primary Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/RESULTS/2014/Primary/legislative_totals.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "2014 General Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.http://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/results/2014/General/legislative_totals.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "2016 Primary Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.https://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/results/2016/Primary/legislative_totals.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "2016 General Election Results – Legislative".Idaho Secretary of State.https://www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/results/2016/General/legislative_totals.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Shake-up at the Statehouse".Idaho Statesman.2012-12-06.http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/12/06/2371190/shake-up-at-the-statehouse.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "Shake-up at the Statehouse".Idaho Statesman.2012-12-06.http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/12/06/2371190/shake-up-at-the-statehouse.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Mr. Speaker: Scott Bedke reflects on legislative session".Magic Valley Times-News.http://magicvalley.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/mr-speaker-scott-bedke-reflects-on-legislative-session/article_ad0eb2dc-b38b-11e2-996d-0019bb2963f4.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "Scott Bedke Official Website".Scott Bedke.http://scottbedke.com/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "Idaho Lt. Gov. Bedke accuses state lawmakers of budgeting like Washington, D.C.".Idaho Statesman.2025-12-05.https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article313408350.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  26. ↑ "Analysis: Get ready to rumble, over a tight state budget".Idaho Education News.2025-12-11.https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/analysis-get-ready-to-rumble-over-a-tight-state-budget/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  27. ↑ "State leaders: Idaho must implement spending cuts as it stares down forecasted shortfall".Idaho Press.2025-12-08.https://www.idahopress.com/boiseweekly/news/state-leaders-idaho-must-implement-spending-cuts-as-it-stares-down-forecasted-shortfall/article_79d0d534-df06-4b12-950c-8f08fd6b75b4.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  28. ↑ "How Idaho conforms to 'big, beautiful' bill amid budget woes will be central to 2026 Legislature".Idaho Capital Sun.2025-12-03.https://idahocapitalsun.com/2025/12/03/how-idaho-conforms-to-big-beautiful-bill-amid-budget-woes-will-be-central-to-2026-legislature/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  29. ↑ "Gov. Little, Lt. Gov. Bedke applaud new $30 million water infrastructure plan to support farmers".Office of the Governor of Idaho.2025-05-27.https://gov.idaho.gov/pressrelease/gov-little-lt-gov-bedke-applaud-new-30-million-water-infrastructure-plan-to-support-farmers/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  30. ↑ "Lt. Gov Scott Bedke discusses trade prospects following Vietnam trip".Idaho News 6.2025-12-18.https://www.kivitv.com/downtown-boise/lt-gov-scott-bedke-discusses-trade-prospects-following-vietnam-trip.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  31. ↑ "Idaho Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke announces bid for 2026 re-election".KTVB.2025-09-09.https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/politics/elections/scott-bedke-announces-bid-2026-re-election/277-31ec09da-b38b-4721-8fc0-d419e28c9515.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  32. ↑ "Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke announces re-election campaign for 2026".KMVT.2025-09-08.https://www.kmvt.com/2025/09/09/lt-gov-scott-bedke-announces-re-election-campaign-2026/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  33. ↑ "Scott Bedke – Idaho Legislature".Idaho Legislature.http://legislature.idaho.gov/house/membershipSingle.cfm?ID=5.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  34. ↑ "Idaho Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke announces bid for 2026 re-election".KTVB.2025-09-09.https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/politics/elections/scott-bedke-announces-bid-2026-re-election/277-31ec09da-b38b-4721-8fc0-d419e28c9515.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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