Mike Crapo has represented Idaho in the U.S. Senate since 1999. He’s one of the chamber’s most entrenched voices on tax policy, banking regulation, and fiscal restraint — the guy who actually reads the pay-for tables in the Finance Committee markup.
Crapo pushes lower taxes, deregulation, and aggressive deficit reduction as the formula for growth. He’s also a reliable vote for gun rights and domestic energy development, and a sharp critic of what he calls federal overreach in environmental regulation.
Seen as a steady, establishment-aligned conservative, he usually works within party leadership and industry circles, which wins him influence on economic legislation — and heat from critics who say he’s too close to corporate power.
Mainstream Conservative
Achievements
- Helped shape major tax reform and banking deregulation
- Consistent advocate for deficit reduction and lower taxes
- Defended gun rights and pro-2A legislation
- Backed rural broadband and infrastructure expansion
- Championed policy framed as pro-business and pro-growth for Idaho industries
Controversies
- Criticized for close ties to Wall Street and large banks
- Pushback over votes against certain environmental and climate protections
- Ongoing debate around his deregulatory approach to finance and consumer protection
- Criticism from the left on health care repeal efforts and social safety net cuts
- Scrutiny of corporate-aligned fundraising and PAC support
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealth Group | $119,900 | $112,400 | $7,500 |
| Apollo Global Management | $58,650 | $58,650 | $0 |
| Elevance Health | $47,900 | $36,900 | $11,000 |
| American Israel Public Affairs Cmte | $45,550 | $37,650 | $7,900 |
| Capital Group | $45,000 | $45,000 | $0 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2016 Margin R +38%
2022 Margin R +27%