James Risch

Jim Risch and his wife, Vicki, live on a ranch outside Boise, with a family that includes three sons and nine grandchildren.¹ He first moved to Idaho in 1963 to attend the University of Idaho.² His work outside politics has included ranching, running a small business and practicing law.¹

Risch earned forestry and law degrees at Idaho before serving two terms as Ada County's prosecuting attorney.¹ His state Senate career included service as majority leader and president pro tempore, followed by two terms as lieutenant governor.³ He also served as governor in 2006 and entered the U.S. Senate in 2009.³ As governor, he signed a tax shift reducing property taxes while increasing the sales tax rate from 5% to 6%.⁴⁵

In 2015, Risch sponsored the Senate companion to legislation designating three Idaho wilderness areas; the House version became law with President Obama's signature.⁶⁷ He now chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and also serves on committees handling energy, small business, intelligence and ethics.¹

His reelection platform emphasizes lower taxes, fewer business regulations, stronger border enforcement and expanded domestic energy production.⁸ He also promises to oppose sales of Idaho's public lands while seeking more state and local authority over their management.⁸ He faces Independent Todd Achilles on November 3, seeking a fourth Senate term after Democratic nominee David Roth withdrew.⁹