Jim Risch

Why they say you should vote for them

The candidate's own case to voters, summarized from their campaign and public statements.

• Says the economy is the top issue for Idahoans and points to his votes to cut taxes, including removing federal taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security.[3]
• Says he led the Senate effort to stop a proposal to sell public lands and that Idaho's public lands should stay open and accessible.[2],[3]
• Says his chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee gives Idaho influence, including over the Columbia River Treaty negotiations.[3]
• His campaign describes him as one of the Senate's most conservative members.[4]

Background

• Chair, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, U.S. Senate · 2019–2021, 2025–present[4],[5]
• U.S. Senator, U.S. Senate · 2009–present[4],[5]
• Lieutenant Governor, State of Idaho · 2003–2006, 2007–2009[5]
• Governor, State of Idaho · 2006–2007[4],[5]
• State Senator (President Pro Tempore 1982–1988; Majority Leader 1996–2002), Idaho Senate · 1975–1988, 1995–2003[4],[5]
• Ada County Prosecuting Attorney, Ada County · Elected 1970[4],[5]

Education

• J.D., University of Idaho College of Law[4],[5]
• B.S., Forestry, University of Idaho[4],[5]

Where they stand

• Energy & Environment
  Opposes selling federal public lands in Idaho and cites his work as governor on Idaho's state Roadless Rule; says wildfire management could improve.[1],[2]
• Health Care
  Says the Affordable Care Act "needs work" and that health care should move "significantly more back into the private sector."[1]
• Elections & Democracy
  Supports the SAVE Act, which would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote; says Idaho's own elections are secure.[1]
• Immigration
  Supports border security, says some agricultural sectors need immigrant labor, wants the H-2A farmworker visa expanded to year-round work, and opposes a path to citizenship for people who entered illegally.[1],[2]
• Taxes
  Supports cutting taxes and federal spending, backs a Balanced Budget Amendment, and voted for the 2025 law removing federal taxes on tips and overtime.[2],[3]
• Energy & Environment
  Supports expanding nuclear, hydropower and other domestic energy, opposed the Lava Ridge wind project and opposes breaching the four lower Snake River dams.[2],[3]
• Guns
  Says he will protect Second Amendment rights.[2]
• Housing
  Cites a federal housing bill he backed, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, aimed at lowering housing costs.[3]

Voting record

A selection of notable recorded votes. Not a complete record.

In their words