Republican · U.S. Senate, Idaho
General election Tuesday, Nov 3, 2026
← Idaho U.S. Senate race · All Idaho races
Incumbent U.S. senator.
Jim Risch was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee from 1961 to 1963 and went on to earn a B.S. in forestry in 1965 and a law degree in 1968, both from the University of Idaho.
Also running: Todd Achilles (I) · Natalie Fleming (I) · Matt Loesby (L)
Grouped by topic by Vote Book; headings and quoted words are the candidate’s own, with the source under each one. “As reported” items are a news outlet’s description, not an exact quote.
Securing Our Southern Border
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.
Defending Idaho’s Public Lands
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.
Cutting Taxes and Wasteful Spending
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 …
Affordability
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.
Boosting Small Business
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 …
Fighting for Idaho Farmers
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. …
The same votes are shown for every member of Congress on the ballot, so records can be compared across states.
| Measure | Risch |
|---|---|
| Laken Riley Act (S. 5) — detain migrants charged with theft/violent crimes Jan 20, 2025 · Senate roll call 7 (1st sess.) | Yea |
| GENIUS Act (S. 1582) — stablecoin regulation Jun 17, 2025 · Senate roll call 318 (1st sess.) | Yea |
| One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) — tax & spending reconciliation Jul 1, 2025 · Senate roll call 372 (1st sess.) | Yea |
| Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4) — cancel foreign aid & public broadcasting funds Jul 17, 2025 · Senate roll call 411 (1st sess.) | Yea |
| FY2026 NDAA (S. 2296) — defense authorization Oct 9, 2025 · Senate roll call 570 (1st sess.) | Yea |
| Continuing appropriations to end the 2025 shutdown (H.R. 5371) Nov 10, 2025 · Senate roll call 618 (1st sess.) | Yea |
| FY2026 consolidated appropriations (H.R. 7148) Jan 30, 2026 · Senate roll call 20 (2nd sess.) | Yea |
| Housing supply bill (H.R. 6644) Mar 12, 2026 · Senate roll call 53 (2nd sess.) | Yea |
| 2026 reconciliation bill (S. 2) Jun 5, 2026 · Senate roll call 163 (2nd sess.) | Yea |
Pulled from official roll-call records · Congress.gov profile & full record.