Oregon's Greater Idaho Movement Gains Legislative Momentum

The Greater Idaho movement, which seeks to shift the border between Oregon and Idaho to include 13 conservative counties in Eastern Oregon, has gained renewed momentum with the introduction of Oregon House Bill 3844. This bill establishes a task force to explore the legal and legislative processes required for the border relocation. Proponents, including Greater Idaho president Mike McCarter and executive director Matt McCaw, argue that this move would better represent the political preferences of Eastern Oregonians, who feel marginalized by the more liberal policies of the western part of the state. The movement has its roots in the political divisions highlighted during the 2020 anti-police riots, which underscored the ideological rift between urban and rural areas in Oregon. While previous attempts at secession have faced challenges historically, supporters remain hopeful for a favorable outcome this time. The task force's findings are anticipated to provide crucial insights into the feasibility of this significant territorial change.