January 15, 2026
Boise–A highlight of the Idaho Republican Party’s Winter Meeting is the Hall of Fame Awards. This year’s awards honored Republican volunteers and officials from across the state:
OUTSTANDING PRECINCT COMMITTEEPERSON • TERRY SEYMOUR (Kootenai County)
Terri always gives 110% in all of her roles and responsibilities. She is a natural leader but also has a servant’s heart and is not afraid to ask for help. She has given years of service to the Kootenai County Central Committee fighting for true conservatism, standing in the gap when others do not, but also fights at the national level in her role working for Congressman Russ Fulcher. She has walked her precinct every election for the past ten years. Terri can be counted on to help walk other precincts, hand out campaign material, help organize Town Halls, Freedom Festivals, and Lincoln Day Dinners. If something needs to be done, she is the first one to offer to get it done. She does not do it for personal gain, or fame, or acclamation, but just to serve others and to fight for faith, family and freedom.
OUTSTANDING REPUBLICAN WORKER • CHERYL HURD (Ada County)
Cheryl supports projects and causes behind-the-scenes. She has donated countless hours to collecting names and cash in events, selling items at tables, designing, producing and delivering T-shirts for Republican fundraisers, campaigns and events. She has kept things moving in Ada County and throughout the State. She is a true Republican to the core. Always ready, willing and able to help organize, decorate or perform whatever is requested of her to keep things running smoothly or just to lend an ear to help accomplish a needed task.
OUTSTANDING REGION, COUNTY OR LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT CHAIRMAN • JOHN CROWDER (Bannock County)
John has been instrumental in organizing the Counties in Southeast Idaho under a true conservative flag of Republican ideals. Has been influential in turning many areas in Bannock County from blue to red and coordinated many county groups across the region. He holds monthly dinners to highlight candidates seeking Republican office. These dinners have proven to be a valuable platform for conservatives to reach the public beyond the normal yard signs and billboards. These events are always sold out. John has achieved a model for success which is outstanding and has been noted to be responsible for greater expansion of Republican achievement in Southeast Idaho.
OUTSTANDING REPUBLICAN LEGISLATOR • JOSH TANNER
Josh Tanner is an exemplary State House Representative whose leadership is rooted in integrity, diligence and genuine respect for the people he serves. He listens carefully to his voters, does his homework, and consistently arrives prepared to address issues with thoughtful insight. Josh is also willing to work with all individuals – regardless of position or political viewpoint, which reflects his commitment to principled problem-solving over partisanship. His balanced, steady approach and dedication to serving his constituents make him a standout public servant and a tremendous asset to our State.
OUTSTANDING REPUBICAN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIAL • JULIE ELLSWORTH
Julie Ellsworth’s public service includes twelve years in the Idaho House of Representatives including Majority Caucus Chairwoman. As the Idaho State Treasurer, Ellsworth is the state’s chief financial officer and banker. Ellsworth has been a vocal opponent of ESG criteria in state investing. In August 2025, her office announced support for legislation to end discriminatory “debanking” practices, which often involve banks refusing service to certain industries (like firearms or fossil fuels) based on ESG factors. In prior years, her office’s pushback (along with other state officials) was credited with S&P Global Ratings’ decision to stop publishing new ESG credit indicators for states. She has signed letters with other state financial officers opposing federal rules that would allow ESG priorities to take precedence over financial returns in retirement investments. Under her leadership, Idaho has earned its first-ever AAA credit rating strengthening the State’s financial standing. Her investment strategy has returned $566 million in interest earnings to the Idaho taxpayers.
MOST VALUABLE PERSON • DOROTHY MOON
Dorothy is so proud of our great state that she created a video about Idaho and the Republican party stating that “we are Idaho and we are Republican” and it has gone viral showing our nation that Idaho is red! When our state “accidentally” got rid of the presidential primary she did a fabulous job at running a statewide Republican Caucus that was so fun and engaging to the Republicans of this great state. And she did it at a fraction of the cost but with excellence! When Rank Choice Voting was on the ballot and had big bucks behind it seeking to fool the voters of Idaho, threatening our state to go blue, Dorothy made sure that the information was disseminated all across the state on what a disaster that would be for Idaho as well as the Republican Party. Our state meetings and conventions have gone so smoothly because of her and her team! We have so much to be grateful for in Idaho’s GOP, and Dorothy is at the top of that list!
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD • HOWARD RYNEARSON (Payette County)
Howard Rynearson has been nominated for his hard work on the grocery tax initiative this year, being a past county chair and working to help the Republican Party in Idaho since 1990! Howard has been a leader in Payette County, giving countless hours to promote the Republican party and Conservative values in many capacities. Howard has been a mentor to Precinct Committeemen and Chairs in the area, attending neighboring meetings, offering advice and suggestions to others in the Party.
