Jim
Risch
Republican incumbent Jim Risch seeks a fourth U.S. Senate term in Idaho's 2026 general election.
- sources
- 24
- positions
- 12
- endorsements
- 12
Background
Jim Risch is a Republican U.S. Senator from Idaho who has served since January 2009 and is seeking a fourth term in the November 2026 general election. He earned a bachelor's degree in forestry and a Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho, and went on to practice law as a senior partner at the Risch Goss Insinger Gustavel law firm; he has also been a rancher and small-business owner. 13
Before his Senate career, Risch held a series of Idaho offices: Ada County prosecuting attorney (two terms beginning in 1970), Idaho state senator (1974–1988 and 1995–2002), lieutenant governor (2003–2006 and 2007–2009), and governor (2006–2007). 34
Risch lives on a ranch outside Boise in Ada County. In the 2026 Idaho candidate survey he described his residence there, and his campaign website identifies the committee as the Jim Risch for U.S. Senate Committee. 25
At a glance
- Party
- Republican · Incumbent
- Running for
- U.S. Senate, Idaho
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- U.S. Senator for Idaho
- Website
- senatorrisch.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Voting record
How Jim Risch voted in Congress: 118th Congress (2023–24) and 119th Congress (2025–26), Jan 23, 2023 to Sep 30, 2026. From the official House and Senate roll call records.
- roll call votes
- 1,606
- missed
- 5.9%
- with their party’s majority
- 97%
Recent key votes
- Sep 30, 2026 · Senate · PN1129 · Economy & jobsKeith Sonderling, of Florida, to be Secretary of LaborOn the Nomination · Nomination ConfirmedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Sep 28, 2026 · Senate · S4668 · EducationA bill to protect the name, image, and likeness rights of, and provide protections for, student athletes and to promote fair competition among intercollegiate athletics, and for other purposes.On Passage of the Bill · Bill PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Aug 8, 2026 · Senate · PN1078 · Crime & public safetyTodd Blanche, of Florida, to be Attorney GeneralOn the Nomination · Nomination ConfirmedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Aug 8, 2026 · Senate · HR6500 · Taxes & budgetAn act making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2027, and for other purposes.On Passage of the Bill · Bill PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Aug 7, 2026 · Senate · HR5334 · Foreign policy & defenseAn act to impose sanctions and other measures with respect to the Russian Federation, as championed by the late Senator Lindsey O. Graham, and for other purposes.On Passage of the Bill · Bill PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Jul 28, 2026 · Senate · PN1092 · Foreign policy & defenseWalter Clayton, of New York, to be Director of National IntelligenceOn the Nomination · Nomination ConfirmedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Jun 5, 2026 · Senate · S2 · Taxes & budgetAn original bill to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 33.On Passage of the Bill · Bill PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
- Apr 16, 2026 · Senate · HJRES140 · Climate & energyA joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to Public Land Order No. 7917 for Withdrawal of Federal Lands; Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN.On the Joint Resolution · Joint Resolution PassedOfficial roll call ↗(opens in a new tab)Yes
Key votes are final decisions on bills and joint resolutions, and top nominations. Software sorts each into an issue from its official title, so check the roll call. All 1,606 votes →
Timeline
- Oct 10newsRisch calls for end to Iran war, citing rising gas and diesel costs
In an interview with The Spokesman-Review, Risch said 'The conflict in Iran has run up the price of gas and diesel, and this all needs to end,' and predicted costs would fall quickly once the conflict concluded. He attributed cost-of-living pressures to both the war and inflation worsened by excessive government spending under the Biden administration, and pointed to a bipartisan housing bill enacted in June.
Jim Risch calls for Iran war to end as rising costs take center stage in Idaho Senate race · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 10debateOpinion column questions absence of debates in Idaho Senate race
An Idaho Press opinion column by Stapilus noted the lack of debates in the Idaho U.S. Senate race, raising questions about Risch's willingness to participate in candidate forums.
Stapilus: Whatever happened to the debates? · Oct 10, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 6newsOpinion: Is the Idaho U.S. Senate race a real competitive contest?
An opinion piece in the Lewiston Morning Tribune questioned whether the Idaho Senate race, featuring Risch vs. independents Achilles and Fleming and Libertarian Loesby, represents a genuinely competitive contest.
OPINION: Is the race for U.S. Senate in Idaho a real unicorn... · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 6newsIdaho Statesman fact-checks Senate candidates on foreign policy and trade
The Idaho Statesman published a fact-check on where Idaho U.S. Senate candidates stand on foreign policy and trade issues, including Risch's positions.
Fact check: Where Idaho U.S. Senate candidates stand on foreign policy, trade · Oct 6, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 2pollRisch campaign poll shows 25-point lead over Achilles, 49% to 24%
A poll conducted Sept. 28–30 for Risch's campaign found Risch at 49% and Achilles at 24% among 500 likely voters (±4 pp margin of error). This was narrower than the campaign's August poll, which showed Risch ahead 52% to 18%. These are campaign-sponsored polls, not independent surveys.
Jacob Rubashkin on X: "NEW | A poll for the Jim Risch campaign in ... · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 1newsIdaho Senate candidates weigh in on tariffs, Iran War, and federal spending
Candidates in the Idaho U.S. Senate race, including responses attributed to Risch's positions, addressed tariffs, the Iran War, and federal spending at or around the Caldwell forum.
Idaho US Senate candidates weigh in on tariffs, Iran War ... · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 1endorsementVP JD Vance sends fundraising appeal warning of Democratic millions targeting Risch's seat
A mailed fundraising appeal from Vice President JD Vance urged recipients to donate to Risch's reelection campaign, warning that Democrats were 'prepared to pour millions of dollars into Idaho' to flip the seat.
VP Vance says Dems are 'prepared to pour millions' into ... · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 30debateRisch skips Caldwell candidate forum; campaign cites concerns about organizer bias
Achilles, Fleming, and Loesby attended the forum hosted by the League of Women Voters, Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, and AAUW. Risch did not attend. His campaign manager said they viewed the event as potentially partial because an organizer had publicly endorsed Achilles. The League's Idaho president said she knew of no forum organizer who had endorsed a candidate.
Idaho US Senate candidates weigh in on tariffs, Iran War ... · Oct 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 30newsIdaho Statesman fact-checks Senate candidates on immigration
The Idaho Statesman published a fact-check examining where Idaho U.S. Senate candidates, including Risch, stand on immigration policy.
Fact check: Where Idaho U.S. Senate candidates stand on immigration · Sep 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 29newsLeague of Women Voters announces candidate forums for Idaho Senate race
The League of Women Voters of Idaho, along with the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce and AAUW, announced candidate forums for the governor and U.S. Senate races, including one in Caldwell.
League of Women Voters of Idaho announces candidate forums for ... · Sep 29, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Sep 25newsIdaho Statesman fact-checks Senate candidates on abortion positions
The Idaho Statesman published a fact-check examining where Idaho U.S. Senate candidates, including Risch, stand on abortion.
Fact check: Where Idaho U.S. Senate candidates stand on abortion · Sep 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - May 19newsRisch wins Idaho Republican primary with 67.26% of the vote
Certified results show Risch won the May 19 Republican primary with 156,140 votes, or 67.26%, securing the GOP nomination for the general election.
Jim Risch, U.S. Senate | Idaho Voter Guide · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Feb 23filingJim Risch files for Idaho U.S. Senate seat, seeking fourth term
According to the Idaho Voter Guide citing state records, Risch filed on February 23 and his filing was approved. He is the Republican incumbent seeking a fourth term.
Jim Risch, U.S. Senate | Idaho Voter Guide · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Mar 20, 2025endorsementPresident Trump endorses Jim Risch for reelection via Truth Social
President Donald Trump endorsed Risch for reelection in a March 20, 2025 Truth Social post, as reported by KIFI. Risch's campaign also lists Gov. Brad Little, Sen. Mike Crapo, and others among his endorsers.
Jim Risch, U.S. Senate | Idaho Voter Guide · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce organizationThe Chamber announced its endorsement of Risch for the U.S. Senate in Idaho. uschamber.com · Sep 17, 2026
- Former Idaho Gov. Butch Otter officialOtter endorsed Risch in an Idaho Statesman guest opinion, as summarized by the Idaho Voter Guide. idahovoters.com · Sep 13, 2026
- National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) organizationThe NRA-PVF endorsed Risch for reelection and awarded him an A+ rating. Endorsement announced September 11, 2026; reported September 14. pocatellochubbuckobserver.com · Sep 11, 2026
- U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo officialAmong officials announced as endorsing Risch at his campaign launch alongside Trump's endorsement. senatorrisch.com · Apr 4, 2025
- Idaho Gov. Brad Little officialAmong officials announced as endorsing Risch at his campaign launch alongside Trump's endorsement. senatorrisch.com · Apr 4, 2025
- U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher officialAmong officials announced as endorsing Risch at his campaign launch alongside Trump's endorsement. senatorrisch.com · Apr 4, 2025
- Idaho Senate President Pro Tem Kelly Anthon officialAmong officials announced as endorsing Risch at his campaign launch alongside Trump's endorsement. senatorrisch.com · Apr 4, 2025
- U.S. Sen. John Barrasso officialAmong officials announced as endorsing Risch at his campaign launch alongside Trump's endorsement. senatorrisch.com · Apr 4, 2025
- U.S. Sen. Mike Lee officialAmong officials announced as endorsing Risch at his campaign launch alongside Trump's endorsement. senatorrisch.com · Apr 4, 2025
- U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson officialAmong officials announced as endorsing Risch at his campaign launch alongside Trump's endorsement. senatorrisch.com · Apr 4, 2025
- Idaho House Speaker Mike Moyle officialAmong officials announced as endorsing Risch at his campaign launch alongside Trump's endorsement. senatorrisch.com · Apr 4, 2025
- President Donald Trump officialTrump posted that Risch had his 'Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election.' localnews8.com · Mar 20, 2025
Past elections
General election results for federal office, from the Federal Election Commission.
| Year | Seat | Result | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | U.S. Senate ID · R | Won | 538,446 | 62.6% |
Covers the 2016 to 2022 general elections. The FEC has not yet published 2024 congressional results.
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $4.43M
- Spent
- $3.09M
- Cash on hand
- $3.54M
As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record S8ID00092(opens in a new tab)
Sources 24
- [1] Jim Risch calls for Iran war to end as rising costs take center stage in Idaho Senate race(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
- [2] Stapilus: Whatever happened to the debates?(opens in a new tab) Oct 10, 2026
- [3] Fact check: Where Idaho U.S. Senate candidates stand on foreign policy, trade(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [4] OPINION: Is the race for U.S. Senate in Idaho a real unicorn...(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [5] Jacob Rubashkin on X: "NEW | A poll for the Jim Risch campaign in ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [6] Jim Risch, U.S. Senate | Idaho Voter Guide(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [7] Idaho US Senate candidates weigh in on tariffs, Iran War ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
- [8] VP Vance says Dems are 'prepared to pour millions' into ...(opens in a new tab) Oct 1, 2026
- [9] Fact check: Where Idaho U.S. Senate candidates stand on immigration(opens in a new tab) Sep 30, 2026
- [10] League of Women Voters of Idaho announces candidate forums for ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 29, 2026
- [11] Fact check: Where Idaho U.S. Senate candidates stand on abortion(opens in a new tab) Sep 25, 2026
- [12] U.S. Chamber Endorses Senator Jim Risch for ...(opens in a new tab) Sep 17, 2026
- [13] NRA PVF Endorses Sen. Risch for Reelection; Awards A+ Rating(opens in a new tab) Sep 14, 2026
- [14] 2026 general election survey: U.S. Senator - KBOI(opens in a new tab) Aug 24, 2026
- [15] Ensuring Energy Independence(opens in a new tab) Jun 15, 2026
- [16] Risch, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Reduce Debt ...(opens in a new tab) Mar 23, 2026
- [17] Risch on U.S. Capitol Riots and Vote to Certify the Results ...(opens in a new tab) Mar 17, 2026
- [18] Risch, Crapo, Britt, Budd Introduce Laken Riley Act in 119th Congress(opens in a new tab) Mar 17, 2026
- [19] Risch Votes No on Gun Control - Senator James Risch(opens in a new tab) Mar 16, 2026
- [20] Issues & Solutions - Senator James Risch(opens in a new tab) Mar 13, 2026
- [21] Putting Families First - Senator James Risch(opens in a new tab) Mar 6, 2026
- [22] Senator Risch Announces Re-election Campaign, Trump ...(opens in a new tab) Apr 4, 2025
- [23] President Trump endorses Senator Risch well ahead of mid-term ...(opens in a new tab) Mar 20, 2025
- [24] [2025-01-07] Risch Assumes Chairmanship of Senate Foreign ...(opens in a new tab) Jan 7, 2025