Who Is Running for Senate in Idaho in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
James Risch
(Incumbent)Economy
HighSenator Jim Risch advocates for reducing government spending and cutting red tape to foster economic growth and job creation. He aims to deliver tax relief for working families and eliminate excessive regulations, citing that these actions put more money in pockets and provide opportunities. Risch also introduced S. 2427, a bill requiring agencies to impose extendable sunset dates on certain regulations.
Immigration
HighSenator 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.
Healthcare
MediumSenator 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.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | James Risch |
|---|---|
| Economy | Senator Jim Risch advocates for reducing government spending and cutting red tape to foster economic growth and job creation. He aims to deliver tax relief for working families and eliminate excessive regulations, citing that these actions put more money in pockets and provide opportunities. Risch also introduced S. 2427, a bill requiring agencies to impose extendable sunset dates on certain regulations. High |
| Immigration | 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. High |
| Healthcare | 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. Medium |
| Climate & Energy | 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. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | 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. High |
| Foreign Policy | 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. High |
| Education | 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. High |
| Gun Policy | 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. High |
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