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Jim Risch

Republican candidate for U.S. Senator, Idaho · Incumbent

U.S. Senator from Idaho

Jim Risch is a Republican who has served as a U.S. Senator from Idaho since 2009. He is running for a fourth six-year term in the November 3, 2026 general election. He chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is a senior member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Where Risch stands

Cost of living and housing: Says affordability is the concern constituents raise most. Supports the federal ROAD to Housing Act and says everyone should have the chance to own a home.
Energy prices: Says high energy costs come mainly from limited refining capacity, and points to two California refinery closures.
Russia and Ukraine: Sponsored the SHADOW Fleet Sanctions Act targeting vessels that help Russia get around sanctions. Calls the president's temporary pause on Russian energy sanctions short-term and says pressure on Russia will resume.
Iran war: Says he expects the war to end fairly quickly. Argues it was started to avoid dire consequences and says declassified intelligence will vindicate the president.
Water and the Columbia River Treaty: Is the lead negotiator on renewing the Columbia River Treaty with Canada. Says a new agreement matters to every Idaho water user and was one reason he ran again.

Background

U.S. Senator from Idaho, 2009–present
Chair, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Senior member, Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

In the news

Idaho senate candidates lay out priorities Yahoo News (syndicated), October 22, 2026

Also running for U.S. Senator

Todd Achilles Independent
Natalie M Fleming Independent
Matt Loesby Libertarian

Sources

Last researched October 23, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.