Idaho Gov. Brad Little (R) sparked laughter and applause after using a new nickname to describe the flood of liberals fleeing California, Oregon and Washington for his deep red state.
During a speech at the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho Conference, the Republican governor said Idaho is being overwhelmed by “COWs.” He was not talking about livestock.
Little revealed that “COWs” stands for newcomers from California, Oregon and Washington, many of whom are ditching their states after years of high taxes and far-left policies.
He said the migration has become one of Idaho’s “real challenges” as the state continues to grow rapidly. Nearly a third of Idaho’s current population moved there within the last decade.
Little made clear that Idaho’s strong economy and low taxes are drawing in residents from states that failed to control spending. Idaho, he said, is a “victim of our own success.”
The governor insisted that conservative policies created those conditions. He pointed to $6.1 billion in tax cuts authorized in recent years and credited “conservative budgeting” for continued tax relief.
Little mocked Washington state for dramatically increasing taxes while Idaho is lowering them. He contrasted the two governments by saying the difference “depends on the values of the elected leaders.”
Washington recently passed its largest tax hike in history to cover a significant budget deficit. The legislation piled taxes on services such as web design, IT, security and advertising.
California remains near the bottom of national tax rankings, coming in at 48th on the Tax Foundation’s 2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index. Oregon is stuck in the middle, ranking 30th overall but near last place in corporate taxes, the Daily Mail reported.
Idaho ranks 11th on the list and remains one of the top states for property taxes, giving it a far more competitive edge for families, workers and businesses who want to keep more of what they earn.
Little argued that Idaho must protect its culture and values even as outsiders move in. He warned that rapid growth could threaten the conservative character that made Idaho successful in the first place.
He urged residents to ensure the state continues to live “within the people’s means” and avoid the big-government mistakes of coastal states. The message drew strong approval from attendees.
Little’s comments reflect a growing political divide in the West. Liberal policies are sending residents fleeing from blue states, and conservative states are now deciding how to handle the flood without losing their own identity.
Idaho remains one of the most deeply conservative states in the country. But with thousands of liberal “COWs” pouring in every year, the governor is signaling a clear warning.
