Brian Lenney Challenges Kelly Anthon for Idaho Senate Pro Tem

Idaho Sen. Brian Lenney of Nampa has announced a bid for president pro tempore of the Idaho Senate, challenging incumbent Sen. Kelly Anthon. Senate Republicans are scheduled to choose their leadership in December.

Lenney, who represents District 13, said the Senate’s leadership should rotate more frequently. “Leadership should change often,” Lenney said.

Concerns Over Bill Process

Lenney pointed to the 2026 legislative session, when Republicans introduced several measures concerning illegal immigration. He said the Senate did not produce significant action on those proposals.

He also cited legislation intended to end taxpayer support for teachers’ unions. Lenney said a Republican committee chairman prevented that bill from advancing, but he later used a floor procedure near the end of the session to bring it before the full Senate. The measure passed.

Lenney said the chairman retained his committee gavel despite holding the bill. He argued that the president pro tempore has authority to respond when committee assignments prevent bills from receiving consideration.

“The Pro Tem has the power to fix that, and that power has to be used,” Lenney said.

Lenney said that, if selected, he would assign lawmakers to positions where Republican-backed bills can receive committee hearings and floor votes.

District 13 Senator

Lenney has represented District 13 and Nampa in the Idaho Senate and has lived in Nampa since 2010. His fifth legislative session is set to begin in January 2027.