Greater Idaho Leader Seeks Federal Path Forward

Sandie Gilson, vice president of Citizens of Greater Idaho, asks Grant County commissioners to help take border shift concerns to Congress.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of a lone county courthouse or government building in Eastern Oregon, its facade and windows illuminated by warm, angled sunlight, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and isolation.The push by rural Eastern Oregon counties to join Idaho reflects a growing political divide within the state.Canyon City Today

Sandie Gilson, the vice president of the Citizens of Greater Idaho and Move Oregon's Borders, is seeking support from Grant County commissioners and networking with advocates for border moves in other states to build momentum for the Greater Idaho movement. Gilson argues the values and politics of Eastern Oregon's residents are aligned with Idaho, and they would be better off as part of that state. So far, 13 counties in Eastern Oregon have passed ballot measures supporting the movement.

Why it matters

The Greater Idaho movement reflects growing political divides within Oregon, with Eastern Oregon residents feeling their values and interests are often overlooked by the state's Democratic-controlled government. The push to shift county borders and join Idaho highlights how some rural communities are seeking to break away from what they see as an increasingly liberal state.

The details

At a Grant County Court meeting, Gilson asked the commissioners to write a letter to U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Oregon, requesting guidance on how to take their concerns about shifting the Oregon-Idaho border to the federal level. Gilson also asked the commissioners to work with other representatives within the state, as she is networking with people from around the country who want to see their own state borders shift. The commissioners ultimately agreed to write a letter to Bentz.

  • On April 1, 2026, Gilson gave an update on the Greater Idaho movement to the Grant County Court.
  • In the May 2026 election, Wallowa County voters will consider a local measure to end the county's public meetings on the matter.

The players

Sandie Gilson

The vice president of the Citizens of Greater Idaho and Move Oregon's Borders, who is advocating for Eastern Oregon counties to join Idaho.

Cliff Bentz

A U.S. Representative for Oregon's 2nd congressional district, who Gilson hopes the Grant County commissioners will reach out to for guidance on taking the Greater Idaho movement to the federal level.

John Rowell

A Grant County commissioner who agreed with Gilson's opinion that Eastern Oregon is often ignored by those in the west, but said he didn't think Oregon would let this part of the state move to Idaho.

Chris Dudley

A potential Republican candidate for Oregon governor that Gilson believes could be a step in the right direction, but would ultimately be hampered by the state's Democratic supermajority.

Christine Drazan

Another potential Republican candidate for Oregon governor that Gilson believes could be a step in the right direction, but would ultimately be hampered by the state's Democratic supermajority.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The political climate in Oregon is so against our personal values, our personal beliefs, our personal common sense. It's just at a point that it makes us physically ill to stay here.”

— Sandie Gilson, Vice President, Citizens of Greater Idaho and Move Oregon's Borders

“You've got to vote your values. And you've got to make sure you're electing people that you believe will stand up for the values that you have.”

— Sandie Gilson, Vice President, Citizens of Greater Idaho and Move Oregon's Borders

What’s next

The Grant County commissioners agreed to write a letter to U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Oregon, requesting guidance on how to take the Greater Idaho movement's concerns to the federal level.

The takeaway

The Greater Idaho movement highlights the growing political divide between Eastern Oregon's conservative-leaning residents and the state's Democratic-controlled government. While the movement has gained support in several rural counties, it faces an uphill battle to gain traction at the state and federal levels.