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Candidates › Idaho U.S. Senate race › 2025–2026
James E. Risch
O Nominee for U.S. Senate, Idaho
Senator since 2009
- On the ballot
- On the general election ballotNov 3, 2026 · Idaho US Senate
- Where to vote
- Find your polling place (opens in a new tab) · More ways to vote
- Top priorities
- Defending Idaho’s Public Lands
- Affordability
- Boosting Small Business
- Fighting for Idaho Farmers
- Securing Our Southern Border
- In Congress
- Senator since 2009 · votes with their party 99.7% of the time · chairs Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. See the record · Office phone 202-224-2752
- Money
- $3.9M raised, $4.2M spent, $2.1M cash on hand (through Oct 14, 2026). Where it comes from
- Who gives
- 7.8% of individual money from donors at $200 or less · 12% from Idaho · largest committee giver NRSC, $62K
- Backed by
- President Donald J. Trump · Sen. Mike Crapo · Rep. Russ Fulcher and 9 more. As the campaign lists them
- Sponsored most in
- International Affairs, Commerce, Crime and Law Enforcement
10 priorities from senatorrisch.com, in the order they are listed there. Every heading and the text under it is copied exactly, as one passage for each page it is from, and links to that place on the page; hover a source to see which passage it opens.
From hunting and recreation to logging and grazing, Idaho’s public lands are essential to our way of life. I led the fight in the Senate to stop a proposal that would have sold some of Idaho’s public lands to the highest bidder. You will not find a stronger defender in the U.S. Senate of these lands.
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To keep the American Dream within reach for Idaho families, we must tackle rising costs. From passing historic tax cuts to strengthening domestic supply chains, I’m working to lower the cost of groceries, housing, and everyday necessities.
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Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of our communities. As a small business owner and former Chairman of the Small Business Committee, Idaho’s local gems are central to my work in Washington D.C. As Senator, I will continue to advocate for the needs of our small businesses by cutting red tape, keeping taxes low, and getting government out of the way of your success.
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As a farmer and beef producer, I know first-hand the challenges faced by Idaho’s agricultural families. From defending rangeland, Idaho’s water, and multiple-use provisions to cutting taxes and stripping away unnecessary government regulations, Idaho agriculture is always at the forefront of my efforts in the U.S. Senate. I am proud to hold a 100% approval rating from the American Farm Bureau and have been honored with the Friend of Agriculture Award for my unwavering support of Idaho farmers.
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A nation without secure borders is not sovereign. I have always supported efforts to secure our border, enforce our immigration laws, and hold criminals accountable. Our nation cannot afford to return to the Biden era of open borders, which allowed violent criminals and deadly drugs to flood into our communities.
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As federal government spending continues to surge, taxpayers need a bold voice in Congress to rein in the waste, fraud, and abuse. From day one, I have spent my career cutting taxes and putting more money back into the pockets of Idaho families and businesses. As Governor, I reduced Idahoans’ skyrocketing property taxes by 20%–protecting our working families and older generations from being forced out of their homes. In Congress, I helped push through President Trump’s historic 2017 tax cuts and successful economic policies that brought America’s economy to record growth and prosperity.
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The Biden administration’s woke Green New Deal weakened our country and ignored the voices of Idahoans to further their radical agenda. The Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project was a prime example. I’m honored and proud to have worked with President Trump to stop Lava Ridge on day one of his new administration. As your Senator, I will continue to fight for the return of more authority to state and local leaders on natural resource management.
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America’s Founding Fathers understood the importance of safeguarding our right to keep and bear arms. As a lifelong gun owner, NRA member, and hunter, I have made protecting our Second Amendment a top priority. I’ve led the fight to defend these freedoms and Idahoans’ way of life against attacks by the radical left. I am proud to stand up for Idaho gun owners and fiercely protect your Second Amendment rights.
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Our men and women in uniform answer the call to serve every day—putting themselves in harm’s way to defend our freedoms and keep us safe. As a former county prosecuting attorney in Idaho, I have witnessed the unparalleled dedication of our law enforcement officers. Their service and care are irreplaceable. As your Senator, I fight to defend—not defund—the police. Radical attempts to abolish and strip funding from law enforcement agencies are an insult to the millions of officers who go above and beyond to protect Americans from violence and mistreatment.
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America and Idaho have vast energy resources capable of powering our homes, economy, and innovation. We must strengthen our domestic energy supply to meet growing demand and end our country’s reliance on foreign nations. I am a leading voice on strengthening America’s nuclear energy infrastructure and defending hydropower from activist dam breaching efforts.
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