James Risch — Other Candidate for U.S. Senate in Idaho, 2026

Senator James Risch advocates for a three-pronged approach to immigration reform, prioritizing border security and rejecting amnesty for those who break the law. He supports reforming current laws to create a practical program for legal immigration and workers. Additionally, Risch has celebrated and worked to pass legislation, such as the Religious Workforce Protection Act, to cut red tape for foreign-born religious workers. He also co-sponsored bills to finish the southern border wall and eliminate taxpayer-funded entitlement benefits for undocumented immigrants.

“I believe there is a three-pronged approach to immigration reform. First and foremost, we need to secure our borders. We cannot begin to solve this problem until we can control the borders. Second, we need to reform our current immigration laws making a practical and workable program for legal immigration and workers. Finally, there should be no amnesty. No one should be rewarded for breaking the law." - Senator Jim Risch, Homeland Security and Immigration page on his official website”

Senator Risch advocates for access to quality, affordable healthcare, emphasizing the need for thoughtful and deliberative discussions before implementing changes, and believes solutions imposed by mandate will fail. He voted against extending enhanced ACA premium tax credits, which critics stated would increase premiums and reduce coverage for many Idahoans. He also opposed a joint resolution to disapprove a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services rule concerning the Affordable Care Act.

Senator James Risch cosponsored the No Climate Treaties Act, aiming to require a two-thirds Senate majority for the U.S. to join international climate agreements. He supports preserving the lower Snake River dams and advocates for unleashing American nuclear energy. Risch has also cited eliminating excessive regulations and stood for public lands by opposing the nomination of Steve Pearce for the Bureau of Land Management.

““Under Republican leadership, Idahoans have more opportunity, more freedom, and more money in their pockets. In 2025 alone, we secured the border, delivered record tax relief for working families, killed the Lava Ridge project, eliminated excessive regulations, and reined in the wasteful federal spending that fueled inflation,” said Risch. “President Trump’s first year back in the White House produced significant victories for Idaho, but our work is not over. I am committed to achieving even more for Idaho in the year ahead by partnering with my Senate colleagues to lower costs, ensure election integrity, and unleash American nuclear energy.” (James Risch, Risch Statement on State of the Union Address, February 24, 2026)”

Senator James Risch identifies as strongly pro-life, stating his belief in the basic right to life and his commitment to supporting legislation that protects human life, including the unborn. He co-sponsored the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, which aims to require parental notification for minors crossing state lines for abortion. In 2026, he made a point of order against SJ Res 98, which was then sustained by the Senate.

“The most basic right we humans have is the right to life. I am strongly pro-life and always have been. I will, therefore, only support legislation that protects and promotes human life, including the unborn. (James E Risch, risch.senate.gov, 'Family Values' page)”

James Risch supported S. Amdt. 429 to the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which mandates Senate consent for U.S. withdrawal from NATO, and voted in favor of the FY2026 NDAA. He also supported the Countering Wrongful Detention Act to impose repercussions on countries detaining American citizens, stating that it adds firepower to efforts to ensure American respect globally. Risch advocates for annual State Department reauthorization to ensure accountability and effective foreign policy, and voiced concerns about Uganda's elections, suggesting a reassessment of the U.S. security relationship.

““President Trump is working to restore America as a leader on the world stage and ensure we are respected around the globe. The Countering Wrongful Detention Act, which codifies Executive Order 14348 as signed by President Trump, will add firepower to his efforts by hitting countries that wrongfully detain American citizens with strong repercussions, including the potential of sanctions,” said Chairman Risch, U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, regarding priorities included in the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act.”

James Risch believes a strong educational system is vital, with primary responsibility for youth education residing with parents, teachers, and local school officials, not the federal government. He supports a federal role in assisting state and local districts. Risch co-sponsored the STUDENT Act to refocus teacher unions on improving education and the Say No to Indoctrination Act to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding public schools that teach gender ideology.

““Schools should prepare our children for the future, not promote radical gender ideology. The Say No to Indoctrination Act puts an end to woke education practices in K-12 schools and makes President Trump’s common-sense policy permanent,” said Senator Risch. (Source: budd.senate.gov, July 11, 2025)”

Senator James Risch introduced the Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act to ensure lawful firearm purchases continue during government shutdowns, citing that constitutional rights should not be compromised. He also introduced the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act to prevent states from implementing excise taxes on firearms and ammunition, stating that such taxes exploit the Second Amendment. Risch supports gun rights, affirming the Second Amendment as an individual right and opposing its abridgement.

““The government shutdown has real impacts on real people, but it certainly should not compromise our constitutional rights. While Democrats pander to their far-Left base, federal agencies have stopped processing firearm applications, unjustly restricting law-abiding Idahoans’ Second Amendment rights,” said Risch. “My Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act ensures our right to lawfully bear arms is not infringed when there is a lapse in appropriations.” - James Risch, Risch Introduces Bill to Protect Second Amendment Rights During Government Shutdowns, October 30, 2025”