Dirk Kempthorne, former Idaho Governor and US Interior Secretary, Dies at 74

Dirk Kempthorne, former Idaho Governor and US Interior Secretary, has died at age 74. He had been diagnosed with colon cancer last year, but no cause of death was given. Kempthorne was remembered by his family as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Sat Apr 25 2026

Former US Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne Dies at 74

Former Idaho Governor and U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne passed away on Friday evening in Boise at age 74, his family announced in a written statement Saturday. While he had been diagnosed with colon cancer last year, no cause of death was provided. His family described him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who found his greatest joy in time spent with family and the people he met. They noted his rare gift for truly seeing others, remembering names, stories, and small details that made individuals feel known and valued.

Notable Career and Achievements

A Republican, Kempthorne was elected mayor of Boise at 34, serving seven years before winning the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Sen. Steve Symms. In 1998, he successfully ran for governor, securing over two-thirds of the vote. In 2006, President George W. Bush appointed him as Interior Secretary, a position he held until the end of Bush’s presidency. During his tenure, he played a key role in listing the polar bear as a threatened species in 2008, though some environmentalists found him too accommodating of the oil and gas industry. Idaho Governor Brad Little stated that Kempthorne left an enduring mark on the state, championing children and families, strengthening public education, and making transformative investments in the transportation system.

*Source: Politico (2026-04-25)*

Tags: #DirkKempthorne #USPolitics #Idaho #InteriorSecretary #GeorgeWBush