Idaho State Capitol – On Tuesday, the Idaho House Democrats held elections for new House Democratic Leadership. Representative Mat Erpelding/(D-Boise) resigned from the Idaho House of Representatives on December 6, 2019, leaving his position as Idaho House Democratic Leader vacant. Representative Ilana Rubel/(D-Boise), the Assistant House Minority Leader at the time, ran for the position of House Minority Leader. With Rep. Rubel’s leadership position vacant, Representative John McCrostie/(D-Boise) ran for the Assistant Leader position and beat his legislative colleague, Representative Melissa Wintrow/(D-Boise).
Rep. McCrostie was the first openly LGBTQ man elected to the Idaho State Legislature and is now the first openly LGBTQ individual to occupy a leadership position in the Idaho Legislature.
“I am simultaneously humbled and proud to be the first openly gay man elected to a leadership position in the Idaho House.” Rep. McCrostie said. “In a conservative state, it’s incredibly important to show young Idahoans that LGBTQ individuals have a place in their government. My position is an important step to bring LGBTQ issues to the forefront in the Idaho legislature and to create the protections that all Idaho citizens deserve.”
“I appreciate the support and confidence of my legislative colleagues to represent their best interests in my new leadership position. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the upcoming legislative session.”