McGeachin is a surname of Scottish or Irish origin. It is most prominently associated with Janice McGeachin (born January 18, 1963), an American politician and businesswoman who served as the 43rd lieutenant governor of Idaho from 2019 to 2023. She was the first female lieutenant governor in Idaho history.
Janice McGeachin
A member of the Republican Party, McGeachin previously served in the Idaho House of Representatives from 2002 to 2012, representing the 32nd district. She was elected lieutenant governor in 2018 alongside Governor Brad Little. During her tenure, she aligned herself with the far-right wing of the Republican Party and frequently clashed with Little, particularly over COVID-19 pandemic response measures. While Little was out of state in 2021, McGeachin—acting as governor—issued executive orders banning mask mandates and vaccine requirements, which Little rescinded upon his return.
McGeachin convened a controversial "education indoctrination task force" in 2021, premised on claims that critical race theory, socialism, and Marxism were infiltrating Idaho schools. A state judge later fined her $750 for violating the Idaho Public Records Act and ordered her office to pay nearly $29,000 in legal fees after she improperly withheld public records related to the task force.
In 2022, McGeachin challenged incumbent Governor Brad Little in the Republican primary, receiving an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. She lost the primary, receiving 32.24% of the vote to Little's 52.81%. She concluded her term as lieutenant governor on January 2, 2023.
McGeachin drew criticism for her associations with far-right figures and groups, including speaking at the America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC), hosted by white nationalist Nick Fuentes, and posing with members of the Three Percenters militia group.
Geoffrey McGeachin
The surname is also associated with Geoffrey McGeachin, an Australian author of crime fiction. He is best known for his Charlie Berlin series, which won the Australian Crime Writers Association's Ned Kelly Award for Best Fiction in 2011 (for The Diggers Rest Hotel) and 2013 (for Blackwattle Creek).
