Oregon’s deep political divide is flaring up again. The Greater Idaho movement is pushing to break away from the state's progressive urban centers. Their goal? To merge conservative Eastern Oregon with Idaho.
"This movement has always been about the people of Eastern Oregon, getting their voice heard and helping those communities get the kind of state-level governance they actually want," said executive director Matt McCaw.
"If the Oregon Legislature truly believes in democracy, they will honor those voters' wishes and move forward on making a border change happen."
Secession attempts have a shaky history in the U.S. Some have succeeded, but many have failed. The fight is always uphill.
State Rep. Mark Owens, R-Malheur, introduced HB 3844. The bill would create a task force to study the impact of moving the Idaho border. The results would then go to lawmakers in Salem. Owens did not respond to requests for comment.
The Greater Idaho movement started in 2020. It gained momentum as political tensions in Oregon escalated. Many Eastern Oregonians feel alienated from the policies of Portland and the coast.
The anti-police riots of 2020 only deepened the divide. Portland saw violent protests, with demonstrators targeting the Mark Hatfield Federal Courthouse. Meanwhile, Eastern Oregon remained largely conservative, watching from afar.
Greater Idaho president Mike McCarter supports the latest push. "We are encouraged to see the representatives of Eastern Oregon coming together to advocate for their voters by bringing these bills to the Legislature. The people of Eastern Oregon have made clear they want to explore moving the border and joining Idaho."
"This movement has always been about the people of Eastern Oregon, getting their voice heard and helping those communities get the kind of state-level governance they actually want."
Supporters say shifting the border benefits both states. Each would be more politically aligned, reducing friction. A "win-win," they argue.
A report in the Central Oregonian highlighted the legal hurdles. An "interstate compact" is required to change state lines. Other states have attempted similar moves.
In Illinois, rural counties frustrated with Springfield and Chicago want to join Indiana. A proposal in Iowa could let border counties switch from Illinois to the Hawkeye State.
Neither Idaho Gov. Brad Little nor Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek responded to requests for comment. Their silence leaves the movement’s future uncertain.
History shows few successful breakaways. West Virginia managed it in 1863, splitting from Confederate Virginia. The new state ratified the U.S. Constitution and never looked back.
New York’s Staten Island has tried for decades to break free. The borough, closer to New Jersey than Manhattan, feels disconnected from the city.
In the 1980s, Gov. Mario Cuomo fueled the movement. He backed a referendum, angering New York City leaders but winning favor on the island.
In 1993, Staten Islanders voted nearly 2-1 to secede. But Albany’s Democratic majority shut it down. The dream faded—until now.
Lately, the idea has gained traction again. Congestion pricing, high taxes, and city politics have reignited the push.
"I think it’s time to secede," said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y. She blasted New York’s leadership for ignoring Staten Island’s needs.
"There’s no real value in being part of this city or the state. We didn’t vote for this mayor; we didn’t vote for this governor; and we didn’t vote for this president (then Joe Biden), but we’re always the ones getting screwed," she said.
The Greater Idaho movement faces a tough road ahead. But for many, the fight is worth it.