What Is The Greater Idaho Movement?

The Greater Idaho Movement is a political idea in the United States that aims to change the border between two states: Oregon and Idaho. Supporters want a large part of eastern Oregon to leave Oregon and instead become part of Idaho. The goal is to create a new, bigger Idaho—hence the name “Greater Idaho.”

Where the idea comes from

Oregon is divided by culture and politics. The western part of the state, where most people live (in cities like Portland and Eugene), tends to vote for liberal or progressive policies. The eastern part of the state is much more rural and conservative. Many people there feel that the state government in Portland does not represent their values or priorities.

Because of this, some local groups in eastern Oregon began promoting the idea of joining Idaho, which has a more conservative government. They believe Idaho’s laws on issues like taxes, guns, and environmental rules fit their views better.

What supporters want

The Greater Idaho movement does not want to create a new state. Instead, it wants to move the existing border so that about 15 counties from eastern Oregon would officially become part of Idaho. That would give Idaho more land and population, while western Oregon would become smaller.

Supporters say this would:

• Give people in eastern Oregon a government that matches their values.
• Make local communities feel more represented.
• Reduce tension between rural and urban areas.

What critics say

Opponents argue that changing state borders is not practical. They point out that:

• Both the Oregon and Idaho legislatures would have to agree to the change.
• The U.S. Congress would also have to approve it.
• The process would be long, expensive, and extremely unlikely to succeed.

Critics also say that dividing the state further would not solve the real problems—such as economic inequality, rural decline, and lack of communication between different political groups.

What has happened so far

Since 2020, several eastern Oregon counties have held local votes on whether they support exploring the idea of joining Idaho. Most of those counties voted “yes,” but these votes are only symbolic. They do not have any legal power to move the border.

Some Idaho politicians have said they are open to talking about it, but the Oregon government has not shown interest. For now, the movement remains mostly a political statement rather than a real plan.

Why it matters

Even though the border is unlikely to change, the Greater Idaho Movement shows how divided U.S. politics can be between cities and rural areas. Many people across the country feel disconnected from state or federal governments, and this idea reflects that frustration.