On May 11, Stevenson's successor, George L. Shoup, issued a proclamation endorsing the convention, which was scheduled to meet on July 4 in Boise.

However, an enabling act for Idaho had been introduced in December 1888 by Oregon Senator John H. Mitchell, and its potential statehood was discussed over the remainder of the 50th Congress.

John T. Morgan was elected temporary president while the convention organized and settled membership disputes.

[4] On July 3, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed the law admitting Idaho as the 43rd U.S. state.

The Republican majority controlled most committees, including those that set the framework for the state government.