Biography and Background

Phil McGrane is a 4th generation Idaho Republican who cares about the direction of our state. He has made a career running fair and secure elections for Idaho’s largest county. As Secretary of State, Phil will fight to protect our conservative way of life so that future generations may be as blessed as we have been.

Phil McGrane has been involved with almost every aspect of Idaho’s elections since 2005; including as a candidate and an administrator. Phil currently serves as the elected Clerk in Ada County. He is highly respected by Idaho business leaders and elected officials for his analytical mind and creativity when it comes to elections. In addition to his local elections experience, he served as a law clerk to the United States Election Assistance Commission in Washington, D.C.

Phil has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, a Master’s degree in public administration from Boise State University, a law degree from the University of Denver, and is a member of the Idaho Bar.

Aside from his family, some say Phil’s greatest accomplishments are from the world of competitive barbecue. Phil finished 18th in the nation on the Sam’s Club National BBQ Tour in 2013. Phil’s wife, Angella, two daughters, and son enjoy traveling around with him as they compete.


Top 3 Issues

Issue 1


Protecting our Elections The integrity of our elections, how we run them, and who runs them greatly matters. When we vote, we place our trust in the people and processes behind our elections system, and Idahoans should be proud. Where other states have struggled, Idaho has triumphed. It is now more important than ever to protect Idaho’s elections from the influence of D.C. and beyond. Since 2005, Phil McGrane has been involved with almost every aspect of Idaho elections, from counting ballots, to training poll workers, and holding those accountable who try to cheat. Through his years of experience, Phil has seen up close the importance of the Secretary of State’s Office and the need for experience in that role. Phil’s knowledge of Idaho’s election system gives him unparalleled expertise that he will bring with him as Idaho’s next Republican Secretary of State.

Issue 2


Protecting Our Lands In Idaho, our land is one of our greatest treasures. As a member of the Idaho Land Board, Phil will work to protect our lands and invest in our children’s education through the Idaho Education Endowment. Phil will work with the ranchers, loggers, miners, sportsmen, and recreationalists to maximize our state-owned land now and for future generations of generations. Further, Phil will fight to ensure the federal government follows Idaho’s good forest management practices, so that federal mismanagement will not hurt Idaho’s abundant natural resources. Phil’s experience as an attorney and relationships with the Idaho Logging Contractors and Idaho Cattlemen will be invaluable in working with stakeholders and the other members of the Land Board to ensure we are protecting the future of Idaho and its investments in our land.

Issue 3


Protecting our Values As a 4th generation Idahoan, Phil was raised with the conservative values that have drawn so many to this great state. Self-sufficiency, fiscal responsibility, and the value of a hard day’s work are all principles Phil gained while being raised in Idaho and ones he hopes to pass down to his children. Not only has Phil lived out those values at home, but he has lived them as an elected official. Phil has been recognized as a national leader in government transparency for his work making his county’s budget information available online, and in 2021 he successfully advocated for the most significant property tax cut in the history of his county. Most importantly, as a husband of 17 years and father of three amazing children, Phil knows the importance of family. As Secretary of State, Phil will fight to protect our conservative way of life so that future generations may be blessed as we have been.

Integrity in Affiliation

Submission: Yes
“I have read the Idaho Constitution and the Idaho Republican Party Platform. Except for the provisions specifically noted below, I support the Idaho Republican Party Platform and accept it as the standard by which my performance as a candidate and as an officeholder should be evaluated. I certify that I am not a candidate, officer, delegate or position holder in any party other than the Republican Party.”
Article 1, Section 3, C – Repeal of the 17th Amendment
Article 1, Section 4, A – US dollar backed by gold and silver
Article 1, Section 5, F – Redistricting Commission repeal, I support reforms

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