A conservative Christian advocacy organization in Idaho is collaborating with state lawmakers on a proposal to rename a major roadway in memory of Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist who was fatally shot in September while speaking at a university event in Utah.
The group aims to reflect Kirk’s political and religious legacy through an official highway dedication.
Plan to Rename Idaho 16 as “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway”
Organization Behind the Proposal
The Idaho Family Policy Center announced that it wants to redesignate Idaho 16 in the Treasure Valley as the “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway.”
In its statement, the center emphasized that Kirk’s influence on conservative politics and Christian advocacy should be formally recognized.
Reason for the Memorial
Blaine Conzatti, the center’s president, said the renaming would honor Kirk’s contributions and highlight the importance of free speech and Christian faith in American democracy. He added that the memorial would also serve as a symbol against political violence.
Legislative Steps and Next Moves
Bill Expected in January
The organization is partnering with Idaho legislators to introduce a bill early in the upcoming legislative session. However, the center has not revealed which lawmakers plan to sponsor the proposal.
What the Process Involves
To become law, the measure must be approved by both chambers of the Idaho Legislature and then signed by Gov. Brad Little, according to the Idaho Transportation Department. As of now, the agency has not been directly approached about the plan.
Past Highway Naming Decisions
State records show that Idaho has renamed highways or bridges nine times in honor of individuals connected to the state. Most of these dedications recognized military veterans, while others celebrated local political leaders or journalists.
Who Was Charlie Kirk?
Background and Career
Kirk, originally from Illinois, was the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit promoting right-leaning political views on high school and college campuses nationwide. He spoke at Boise State University in both 2021 and 2025.
Activism and Controversial Positions
Known for defending right-wing populist and nationalist ideas, Kirk encouraged students to challenge him on issues such as immigration, abortion, and other contentious political topics.
He openly criticized LGBTQ rights, the separation of church and state, and condemned the 1964 Civil Rights Act, calling it a “mistake.”
Reports also indicated he claimed the law had become an anti-white tool, and he made inflammatory comments accusing Jews of fueling anti-white sentiment and labeling Islam as a danger to America.
Notable Moment
During a 2021 event in Nampa, an attendee asked Kirk when conservatives should “use the guns.” Kirk responded by discouraging violence and stressing the importance of pursuing political change through peaceful and legal means.
Idaho Leaders React to Kirk’s Death
Following Kirk’s killing in September, Idaho political leaders strongly condemned the attack.
Gov. Brad Little stated that Idahoans “vehemently condemn this violence.”
U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo described it as a “vile and reprehensible act of political violence.”
Idaho Democratic Party Chair Lauren Necochea echoed the sentiment, affirming that political violence is never acceptable.
The proposed renaming of Idaho 16 as the Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway reflects a broader political and cultural moment in the state.
By honoring a nationally known conservative activist, supporters hope to highlight the value of free expression and the importance of standing against political violence.
Whether the Legislature ultimately approves the change will become clear once the 2025 session begins, but the debate around the proposal already underscores Idaho’s ongoing ideological conversations.
