Jim Risch has represented Idaho in the U.S. Senate since 2009. He’s built his identity around hawkish national security, Western land and water fights, and keeping the federal government small and out of Idaho’s way.
Risch is a consistent vote for tax cuts, deregulation, strong military posture, and domestic energy production. He’s also worked on protecting Idaho ranchers, water rights, and access to federal lands, framing those issues as core to the state’s independence.
Supporters see him as tough, reliable, and aligned with Idaho’s priorities. Critics say he’s hyper-partisan, too friendly to defense and energy industries, and uninterested in bipartisan expansion of social programs.
Mainstream Conservative
Achievements
- Advocated for a strong U.S. defense and foreign posture
- Protected Idaho’s water rights and federal land access
- Supported tax cuts and broad deregulation of industry
- Backed agricultural and energy sector expansion in Idaho
- Held senior influence on national security and foreign policy
Controversies
- Criticized for being highly partisan in major negotiations
- Pushback on environmental deregulation and energy extraction
- Concerns about closeness to defense and energy-linked donors
- Opposition to bipartisan healthcare/social spending expansions
- Resistance to campaign finance tightening and lobbying limits
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinclair Companies | $60,800 | $60,800 | $0 |
| Micron Technology | $44,510 | $13,510 | $31,000 |
| Idaho Power | $40,599 | $5,600 | $34,999 |
| PotlatchDeltic Corp | $39,500 | $11,500 | $28,000 |
| General Atomics | $36,100 | $26,100 | $10,000 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2014 Margin R +30%
2020 Margin R +30%