Our History
Republican women clubs began to form in the early 1900s, following a concerted effort on the part of the Republican National Committee (RNC). Mrs. J. Ellen Foster, the first woman to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court, visited the Western part of the country at the request of the RNC Chairman. She talked to women about getting involved in Republican politics. D. Minnie Howard of Pocatello accompanied her. In August of 1904, they called a meeting of Republican Women in Idaho and elected officers. This formed the first club of women voters in the State.
The National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) was founded in Chicago in 1938. Idaho’s terrain made if difficult to maintain contact among clubs. Therefore, Idaho did not have enough fully organized clubs to make it possible to be federated until after 1943. The Nez Perce County Republican Women’s Club was established on April 29, 1943 and then the Idaho Federation of Republican Women (IFRW) was founded in 1944. Hazel Stone Shook, of Lewiston, was the IFRW founding President. She was a native of Pocatello.
The IFRW currently has two districts and 18 clubs.
Click here to view the history of the IFRW and click here to view the past list of IFRW Presidents.
Tracey Wasden has been a Conservative Republican since the age of 12. She remembers coming home from school and announcing that she was a Republican which was interesting growing up in Ketchum and Hailey, Idaho. Tracey attended Idaho Girls State and graduated from Wood River High School in Hailey. She graduated from Ricks College with a Pre-law degree in 1980 and served as an intern in the Idaho State Legislature. Tracey and Lawrence were married that same year. They both graduated from BYU in 1982 with degrees in Political Science and moved to Moscow for Lawrence to attend law school at the University of Idaho. After graduation, Tracey and Lawrence moved their young family to Caldwell where Lawrence worked as a Canyon County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and Tracey helped Lawrence run for precinct committeeman. Lawrence went on to be the Canyon County Central Committee Chairman and later ran for and elected Attorney General. Tracey successfully ran each of his campaigns. Tracey has successfully run 10 statewide campaigns and, as well as providing advice and assistance to other statewide campaigns. She was awarded the Canyon County Outstanding Republican of the year award in 2018. Tracey works hard to help elect good republicans around this great state. Tracey is the mother of 4 wonderful children and the grandmother of 10 amazing little people.
Theresa Bradford has been a member of IFRW since 2012. She is currently the secretary for Canyon County Republican Women and the 2018-2020 IFRW Co-Director for the 1st Congressional District. She served as secretary for the Canyon County RCC and ran the CCRCC campaign office in 2020. In 2014, Theresa was appointed by Gov. Butch Otter and has served as chairman of the Idaho Driving Businesses Licensing Board, as well as a current trustee for the Counselors and Marriage Therapists and Family Therapists. She is a former trustee for Middleton United Substance Abuse Coalition, a former treasurer for the Middleton Area Optimist Club and a former logistics committee chair for the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life. Theresa works alongside her husband of 40 years, Gunner, in their heavy construction contracting company overseeing the administrative functions of company operations (though she has been seen operating dump trucks and excavators from time to time). She and Gunner live in Canyon county, just north of Middleton. They have three grown children and five grandchildren.
Char was born in Idaho Falls, ID. She has served in leadership positions in a variety of organizations throughout her adult life. She has served in IFRW as First Vice President and currently serves as District Director. She has served in SEIRW as President, Secretary, and is currently Bylaws Chair. Char has served as Bannock County Republican Central Committee as First Chair and currently serves as a Precinct Committeeman and Committee Chairman. Char has had the opportunity to be involved in many Lincoln Day Dinner events, assisted with hosting the State IFRW fall meeting, and the State GOP 2018 convention. She has been honored with the Most Valuable Precinct Committeeman award. Char attended ISU and currently is a Certified Residential Appraiser, owning her business in Pocatello for the past 25 years. She and her husband Rod enjoy their three wonderful children and their spouses, and seven amazing grandchildren. Char enjoys gardening, serving and being with family and friends.
Darlene has lived in Lewiston since 1956. She is a self employed independent contractor with Signature HomeStyles (50 years)and Tupperware (10 years). She also does taxes during tax season. Born in Indiana to a Republican family. Her Grandfather was County Chairman of the Shelby County Republican party in Indiana until his death.
Her husband Paul, of almost 50 years, was involved in Republican politics until his death in 2016 and she became involved with the Nez Perce County Republican Women's Club as their Treasurer, Secretary and as a past President. She is currently their Secretary. She is also the past IFRW 1st District Co-Director. She is also Precinct committeeman for precinct 10 in Nez Perce County.
She raised Paul's 3 children from the ages of 10, 12, and 14. They have given her 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She graduated from Lewiston High School and attended LCSC, CWU, and WSU. She volunteered at the Snake River Community Clinic for many years. She loves karaoke and was part of a group that went to the care centers in Lewiston and Clarkston and sang. Since COVID, this group is missed by many of our fans and we miss putting smiles on their faces.
Darlene is dedicated to doing her best fro the IFRW as Treasurer.
Marsha Bjourn