Frank Robert Gooding (1859–1928) was a Republican politician who served as both governor of Idaho and a U.S. senator. Born in Devon, England, he emigrated to the U.S. with his family in 1867, settling in Michigan before moving west to Idaho in 1881. Gooding initially worked in sheep ranching and became a significant figure in Idaho’s Republican Party. He was elected governor in 1904 and served two terms from 1905 to 1909.
As governor, Gooding gained national attention for his role in the controversial trial of labor leaders from the Western Federation of Miners, accused of assassinating former Idaho Governor Frank Steunenberg. His involvement in this high-profile case drew scrutiny from President Theodore Roosevelt.
Gooding’s political career continued in the U.S. Senate, serving from 1921 until he died in 1928. He was known for sponsoring the bill that placed southern Idaho in the Mountain Time Zone. Throughout his career, Gooding often clashed with progressive elements within his party, notably Senator William Borah. He left a lasting legacy in Idaho, with the city and county of Gooding named in his honor.
