Jim Risch beat independent Todd Achilles to win a fourth term, as the Associated Press called the Idaho Senate race for the longtime Republican.
Jim Risch is Idaho’s junior senator and one of the longest-serving figures in Idaho politics. He has held the Senate seat since 2009 and chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which gives him a leading Republican voice on U.S. policy abroad.
Risch’s career in Idaho goes back decades. A lawyer, he served two terms as Ada County prosecuting attorney, spent many years in the state senate, and was twice lieutenant governor. In 2006, when Gov. Dirk Kempthorne left to join the federal cabinet, Risch stepped up and served as Idaho’s 31st governor. He then won election to the U.S. Senate in 2008.
This year’s race followed a familiar pattern. The Democratic nominee, David Roth, withdrew after independent Todd Achilles, a former state representative, entered the race with support from Democratic leaders. It was not enough. Risch won with about 57 percent of the vote, ahead of Achilles at about 33 percent.
His win matters because Idaho has not elected a Democrat to the Senate in decades, and Risch keeps a senior Republican seat — and a key foreign policy post — in his party’s hands.
What to watch: Risch’s role on foreign policy as Republicans move into the Senate minority.
Fast facts
- Age: 83
- Party: Republican
- Office: U.S. Senator
- State: Idaho
- Previous job: Governor of Idaho (2006–2007); lieutenant governor of Idaho
- Called by AP: Nov. 3–4, 2026
Part of the Zark News Election 2026 winners profile series. Winners are listed as called by the Associated Press.
