Exposing Pastor Matt Irving: Fake Identity, Political Influence, and the KCRCC Machine in Kootenai County

Introduction

In Kootenai County, Idaho, questions about political manipulation and hidden influence are nothing new. But recent revelations surrounding Pastor Matt Irving of Northstar Baptist Church in Hayden raise serious concerns about honesty, transparency, and integrity in both religious and political life. Evidence suggests that Irving has been operating under a fake online identity, “Henry Middleton,” to attack critics, defend the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee (KCRCC), and sway public opinion.

What follows is a breakdown of this investigation, showing how Irving’s actions connect to a broader network of political power and influence in North Idaho.

The Fake Identity: Who Is “Henry Middleton”?

The online persona “Henry Middleton” first appeared in local freedom groups when Liberty Without Compromise (LWC) published an exposé on the KCRCC’s rigged vetting process. Instead of addressing the evidence, “Henry” dismissed the report as “whining” and doubled down by running defense for the KCRCC.

The problem? “Henry Middleton” isn’t real. According to multiple confirmations, the account belongs to Pastor Matt Irving. While presenting himself as a pastor preaching morality on Sundays, he has been using a fake profile to smear critics, silence dissent, and create the illusion of public support for a political machine.

Why Fake Accounts Are Dangerous

Fake or “sock puppet” accounts are more than just dishonest, they are tools of manipulation. They:

• Create false consensus by making it appear as though multiple people support a certain position.

• Silence critics by piling on in comment threads.

• Shift narratives away from legitimate concerns and toward defending insiders.

For a pastor to engage in such behavior is particularly troubling. If Matt Irving were to post these comments under his real name, the community would immediately see that a local pastor is inserting himself into partisan battles, defending questionable practices, and aligning with political operatives like Brent Regan and others in the KCRCC.

Matt Irving’s Background

Irving did not grow up in Kootenai County. He arrived around 2020, already an established businessman. Before becoming pastor of Northstar Baptist, he co-founded SystemGo IT, a California tech firm that benefited from PPP loans during the pandemic before merging with KME Systems as part of a multi-company rebrand.

His résumé includes stints as a snowboarder, entrepreneur, and MBA holder. On paper, it is impressive. But the polished biography stands in stark contrast to his deceptive online behavior, where he masquerades as “Henry Middleton” to manipulate local politics.

Questionable Property Records and Residency

Public records show Irving owns multiple properties in Idaho, including at least one in Kootenai County that carries the homeowner’s exemption, a tax benefit available only if the property is used as a primary residence. Yet, county assessor records list Irving’s mailing address in Bonner County. Reports indicate his true residence may not match the exemption claim, raising further questions about honesty and transparency.

For someone preaching integrity while benefiting from tax breaks under questionable circumstances, the contradiction is hard to ignore.

Political Ambitions: NIC Board Application

The story doesn’t stop with fake accounts or property records. In 2022, an application for a North Idaho College trustee seat surfaced under the name Matthew Irving of Coeur d’Alene. While not definitively proven to be the same Matt Irving, the overlap in name, location, and timeline strongly suggests it.

If accurate, this adds another layer: Irving isn’t content with defending the KCRCC online. He appears to be actively reaching for public office and governance positions, further embedding himself in North Idaho’s power structure.

Influence Through the Ministerial Association

Irving is also officially listed as part of the Kootenai County Ministerial Association for 2024–2025. This network of pastors holds sway in civic life, including who delivers prayers at city council meetings and how faith leaders are presented to the public.

For Irving, involvement in this association may not only be about fellowship. It provides legitimacy, visibility, and a platform for influence, exactly the kind of positioning that complements his political activities and fake online persona.

The KCRCC Connection

Irving’s online activity and affiliations point directly back to the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee. This group, led by chairman Brent Regan, has long been accused of stacking the deck, handpicking candidates, and excluding challengers through a manipulated vetting process.

Irving’s “Henry Middleton” account was not an innocent pseudonym. It was a strategic tool to defend this machine, ridicule its critics, and frame dissent as illegitimate. Alongside figures like Pastor Tim Remington and John Padula, Irving forms part of a religious-political network that merges faith with partisan control.

Hypocrisy in the Pulpit and Online

The hypocrisy is staggering. On Sunday, Matt Irving preaches about morality, faith, and truth. Online, under a false identity, he mocks citizens, smears critics, and defends corruption. This isn’t shepherding a flock, it’s gaslighting a community.

For voters, the question is simple: can a man who preaches honesty while secretly deceiving his neighbors be trusted as a leader in any capacity whether religious or political?

Why This Matters for Kootenai County

Fake accounts erode public trust. They are not harmless jokes; they are fraudulent tools designed to mislead voters. If Irving and the KCRCC’s ideas can’t stand on their own, why do they need to hide behind fake identities to promote them?

Kootenai County deserves better, leaders who are honest, transparent, and willing to defend their positions openly. The exposure of Pastor Matt Irving’s fake identity is more than a scandal. It is a warning sign about how far some are willing to go to cling to power and control local politics.

Conclusion

Pastor, businessman, and deceiver. Matt Irving’s actions show a double life that the community deserves to know about. His fake online identity, questionable property records, and growing involvement in political networks suggest a man seeking not just to serve but to control and influence from behind the curtain.

Kootenai County cannot afford “sock puppet politics.” Citizens deserve truth, transparency, and accountability, not deception from those who claim to lead in faith.