Idaho advocacy groups denounce state legislators who allowed man to testify while wearing brownface

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: NBC News

Feb. 26, 2026, 6:00 PM EST


Several advocacy groups in Idaho this week are condemning Republican members of the state’s House Business Committee for allowing public testimony from a man who appeared before the committee in brownface and has previously engaged in racist and antisemitic demonstrations throughout the state.

The man, far-right demonstrator David Pettinger, was initially stopped from testifying before the committee in broken Spanish while wearing brownface makeup and clothing appearing to stereotype Latinos, with handcuffs dangling from his wrist. He appeared at Monday’s hearing as the committee was evaluating HB 704, a bill that would require businesses in the state to verify employees’ legal status and work authorization.

Shortly after Pettinger began speaking — calling the committee’s vice chair “El Jefe” and referring to other members of the committee as “amigos” — Democratic Rep. Steve Berch called for a point of order, telling Pettinger, “This is not performance theater here” and asking for “straight testimony.”

The committee’s vice chair, GOP Rep. Josh Wheeler, then allowed Pettinger to continue, asking for “straight testimony” and threatening to move on to the next speaker if Pettinger did not comply. Pettinger, in Spanish, said “yes” and asked if he could continue speaking in the language.


David Pettinger appeared at an Idaho Legislature hearing wearing brownface
on Feb. 23.Idaho State Legislature

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/idaho-advocacy-groups-state-legislators-allowed-man-testify-brownface-rcna260812

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This is what he looks like without the bizarre racist get-up -

[2naSalit]

1. Ah yes, Idaho...

The black hole of intellect or where independent cognitive functioning goes to die. I'm surprised I still had functioning brain cells after 14 years in that place.

[hoosierspud]

7. I live close enough to it that I hope

That insanity isn't seeping across the state line.

[2naSalit]

10. Sounds like you...

Are still within the boundary of the alleged zion, they're there, just haven't taken over the state government completely, yet.

[hoosierspud]

12. They've been trying.

Spokane's City Council now has a liberal majority. Idaho is going the opposite direction.

[2naSalit]

13. I spent...

A little over a year in East Spokane, too close to Post Falls. I moved to Moscow for a year and then said screw it and moved to Montana for the next 20 years.

And now I'm someplace completely different.

[Ray Bruns]

2. And exactly what was the point he was trying to make?

[cab67]

4. the point was "Look at me!"

[Ray Bruns]

5. Objective accomplished.

[riversedge]

3. Mother Justice is crying once again!!

[Floyd R. Turbo]

6. A punchable mug if ever I saw one!

[mtngirl47]

8. Theatre of the absurd. n/t

[MustLoveBeagles]

9. Of course the Republicans allowed this farce to continue

But they're not the racists, Democrats are. of course.

One other thing. There's actually an elected Dem in Idaho?

[AuntieKatie]

11. What a bunch of hics.

[maxrandb]

14. This is what happens when you allow testimony from someone who just pulled their head out of their ass. NT