Remembering Idaho Sen. Frank Church nearly 100 years later

By Samantha Wright

Published December 31, 2024 at 1:05 PM MST

A black and white photo from the 1970s shows four politicians gathered around a table, looking at a map of the proposed Sawtooth National Recreation Area. — Senators Church and Jordan discuss the proposed Sawtooth National Recreation Area with Representatives McClure and Hansen.

2024 marks 100 years since the birth of Idaho Sen. Frank Church.

Church, a Democrat, served as a U.S. senator from 1957 until 1981, and he is currently the last Democrat to do so. He was also the longest-serving Democratic senator from our state and the only Democrat from Idaho who served more than two terms in the Senate.

Idaho Matters takes a look back at his life, political legacy and how he is remembered in the Gem State.

Our panel today:

Rod Gramer, Frank Church Institute Board Member
Monica Church, the granddaughter of Frank Church and the executive director of the Frank Church Institute
Joan Cartan-Hansen, Idaho Public Television Producer
Dan Popkey, Idaho political journalist