Public lands
Opposes selling Idaho public lands and supports multiple uses including recreation, grazing and timber.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.← Back to Idaho · U.S. SenateSourced issue position Sourced issue position Sourced issue position Sourced issue position Sourced issue position Sourced issue position Sourced issue position Sourced issue position
THE 2026 CANDIDATE FILE
Jim Risch
Candidate for U.S. Senate · Idaho
Projected winner: Jim Risch
Source checked Nov 4, 2026, 2:27 PM Eastern.
Associated Press via NPR. This call does not certify the result or change who is in office.
Certification: pending. ID · Official state election information
See the state election authority for official reporting. ID · Official state election information
THE PERSON
Background
Jim Risch is a U.S. senator and former Idaho governor, lieutenant governor and state legislator. His biography describes earlier work as an Ada County prosecutor, attorney, business owner and rancher.
Roots
- Residence: Ranch near Boise, Idaho
- Career: Prosecutor and attorney; former governor; U.S. senator
Education
- University of Idaho · bachelor’s degree, forestry; J.D.
Background sources checked October 30, 2026.
THE POLICIES
Where they stand
Campaign promises are labeled separately from past actions. These are sourced positions, not endorsements or predictions. No stance is assigned from party affiliation.
Economy
Supports lower taxes, fewer business regulations and stronger domestic supply chains.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.Immigration
Supports border security and enforcement of immigration laws.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.Taxes & budget
Supports reducing taxes and federal spending; his campaign highlights support for the 2017 tax cuts.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.Federalism
Supports returning more natural-resource management authority to state and local officials.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.Guns
Opposes restrictions on lawful firearm ownership.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.Crime & justice
Opposes reducing police funding and supports law enforcement.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.Energy
Supports domestic nuclear power and hydropower, and opposes dam removal.
Source checked October 30, 2026 · Publication date shown in the linked source when available.THE ELECTION
Ballot & sources
U.S. Senate · November 3, 2026
Candidate listing checked October 29, 2026.
Cassia County Idaho — November 3, 2026 general-election sample ballot, page 1 ↗The candidate’s name and party follow the official ballot source. Backgrounds and issue positions are checked separately. A candidate is not an officeholder-elect unless a verified result establishes that status.