Phil McGrane

Phil McGrane was born in Pocatello, Idaho, and lives in Hidden Springs, Idaho. McGrane earned an associate degree from Pierce College at Puyallup in 2002, a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of Washington in 2005, a law degree from the University of Denver in 2010, and a master's degree in public administration from Boise State University in 2014. His career experience includes co-founding Boiler Room Chats, Inc., and working as its president, a pitmaster with Phil & Lou BBQ, and an elections specialist with the Ada County Clerk's Office.[1][2][3][4]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have made a career of running fair and secure elections in Idaho. Since 2005, I have been involved at almost every level of running elections, from training poll workers and counting ballots, to administering entire elections and being a candidate on the ballot. I currently serve as the elected Clerk in Ada County. In 2018, I helped to establish the first-ever Idaho Elections Conference. In addition to my Idaho elections experience, I served as a law clerk to the United States Election Assistance Commission in Washington, D.C. I have a Bachelor's degree from the University of Washington, a Master's degree in public administration from Boise State, a law degree from the University of Denver, and I'm a member of the Idaho Bar.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Protect Our Elections: Idaho depends upon officials who are committeed to the accuracy, security, and transparency of our elections. Since 2005, I've been involved with almost every aspect of Idaho elections; from counting ballots to training counties. I know our election system from the inside out and will bring my expereince as the next Republican Secretary of State.Protect Our Lands: In Idaho, our land is one of our greatest treasures. As a member of the Idaho Land Board, I'll work to protect our lands and invest in our children's education by working with the ranchers, loggers, miners, sportsmen, and recreationalists to maximize our state-owned land now and for future generations to come.Protect Our Values: As a 4th generation Idahoan, I 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 values he gained while being raised in Idaho and ones he hopes to pass down to his own kids. As Secretary of State, I'll fight to protect our conservative way of life so that future generations may be blessed as we have been.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Elections. The Secretary of State must ensure every eligible voter in Idaho has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote and have confidence that their vote counts. Idaho has a great track record of accurate, fair, and secure elections from the President all the way down to school boards. I have made a career running fair and secure elections for Idaho’s largest county and have been involved with almost every aspect of Idaho elections since 2005, including as a candidate and an administrator. As Secretary of State, I'll be committed to ensuring we continue this streak.

Campaign website

McGrane's campaign website stated the following:

Protect Our Elections

How we run our elections matters. When you and I vote we place our trust in the people and processes behind our elections system. As Idahoans, we should be proud. Where other states have struggled, we have triumphed. It is now more important than ever to protect Idaho’s elections from the influence of D.C. and beyond. Since 2005, I have been involved with almost every aspect of Idaho elections; from counting ballots to training counties. I know our election system from the inside out and will bring my experience as your next Republican Secretary of State.

Protect Our Lands

In Idaho, our land is one of our greatest treasures. As a member of the Idaho Land Board, I will work to protect our lands and invest in our children's education through the Idaho Education Endowment. This means working with the ranchers, loggers, miners, sportsmen, and recreationalists to maximize our state-owned land now and for future generations to come.

Protect Our Values

As a 4th generation Idahoan, I was raised with the conservative values that have drawn so many to this great state. As a husband of 16 years and father of three amazing children I know the importance of family. Self-sufficiency, fiscal responsibility, and the value of a hard day's work are all values I gained while being raised in Idaho and ones I hope to pass down. As Secretary of State, I will fight to protect our conservative way of life so that future generations may be blessed as we have been.[6]

—Phil McGrane's campaign website (2022)[7]

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

My top three priorities as Clerk will be: 1) to expand access to services by taking advantage of technology; 2) to invest in a culture of service and innovation among the deputy clerks within the office; and 3) to play a key role in helping address growth in Ada County and how we adjust to provide services in the midst of it. With unprecedented growth and advances in technology, we are at a transition point in Ada County where we can either fall behind by failing to adapt or serve as a leader in helping define the future of our community. As public servants, it's important we recognize and step up to these challenges and opportunities as leaders.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I've spent the majority of my career, beginning in 2005, working in elections. I'm passionate about ensuring that the elections process is open, transparent and accessible to everyone. This is reflected well in our efforts to roll out mobile voting in Ada County, which was an idea I pursued in my current role. I have also worked hard to ensure voting and campaign finance information are open and available to the public. This helps build trust in the process, which in turn gives people confidence when voting. Trust is key in the operations of the Clerk's Office. During the past 8 years as the Chief Deputy Clerk I have worked hard to ensure that we live up to that trust.

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What is your political philosophy?

I believe that government is often at its best when it goes unnoticed. In the Clerk's Office, we strive to be skillfully unmemorable. It's often the sign of our very best work.[6]

—Phil McGrane[4]