Former Idaho Governor And Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne Dies At 74

Dirk Kempthorne, the former governor of Idaho and U.S. secretary of the interior, died on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at age 74, the New York Times reported.

Kempthorne served as Idaho governor before joining the Interior Department in the administration of President George W. Bush. He was a prominent figure in Western land and conservation debates during his time in national office.

The episode traces back to a long career in Idaho public life, including service as mayor of Boise and other state roles that led to statewide office and then to Washington. His move from state politics to a cabinet post made him a familiar name in discussions about public lands and resource management.

Obituaries and tributes began appearing after the report, and the New York Times account reviews his political career and the policy debates that defined his public life.