The mountain was nameless until it was discovered to be higher than Hyndman Peak , previously regarded as the state 's highest point . In February 1934 , the U.S. Geological Survey named it for William Borah , the prominent senior U.S. Senator from Idaho , who had served for nearly 27 years at the time and was dean of the Senate . An outspoken isolationist , the " Lion of Idaho " ran for president two years later in 1936 , but did not win the Republican nomination , and died in office in 1940
Republican nomination
1936 Republican National Convention
Borah Peak