U.S. Senator from Idaho · Class II
James E. Risch
Position · +0.55
- In office
- Senate 2009–now
17 years in CongressMore senior than 66% of the Senate - Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources
- Foreign Relations
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Bills on
- International Affairs
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Energy
- Age
- 83
2026 election
On the November ballot
General election Nov 3, 2026
Facing
- ITodd Achilles$692K
- INatalie Fleming
- LMatt Loesby
Bottom line
Where Risch has influence
Roles
- Chairman · Foreign Relations
- Ex Officio · 7 subcommittees of Foreign Relations
- Energy and Natural Resources · 3rd in seniority on the majority side
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship · 2nd in seniority on the majority side
- Select Committee on Ethics · 2nd in seniority on the majority side
- Select Committee on Intelligence · 2nd in seniority on the majority side
- United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control · 3rd in seniority on the majority side
Bills on the move
- S. 5374 A bill to facilitate the conveyance of certain land in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, platted under section 2387 of the Revised Statutes, and for other purposes. · Out of committee
- S. 1254 A bill to amend the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify a provision relating to conveyances for aquifer recharge purposes. · Out of committee
- S. 2753 Urban Canal Modernization Act · Out of committee
- S. 1257 A bill to amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to authorize the use of funds for certain additional Carey Act projects, and for other purposes. · Out of committee
Talks most about
Stories in Risch’s press releases with their latest stance, last three months. Read by AI.
Where Risch breaks with Republicans
MethodRisch has voted with most Republicans on every party-line vote this Congress.
Notable votes
Full record (Pro)Where Risch broke with their party, close outcomes and final passage votes on named bills, newest first.
| Date | Title | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 14, 2026 | Matthew R. Byrne, of Ohio, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of OhioOn the Cloture Motion | Not voting |
| Jul 20, 2026 | Benjamin M. Flowers, of Ohio, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth CircuitOn the Cloture Motion | Not voting |
| Jul 13, 2026 | Arthur Roberts Jones, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of TexasOn the Nomination | Not voting |
| Jun 8, 2026 | Anthony W. Mattivi, of Kansas, to be United States District Judge for the District of KansasOn the Cloture Motion | Not voting |
| May 18, 2026 | Catherine Dillon, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (Educational and Cultural Affairs); and Ademola Adewale-Sadik, of New York, to be United States Director of the African Development Bank for a term of five years; and Yeouk Kim, of Texas, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador; and James Stuart, of Minnesota, to be United States Marshal for the District of Minnesota for the term of four years; and Brian Gootkin, of Montana, to be United States Marshal for the District of Montana for the term of four years; and Priscilla Lopez, of Florida, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Florida for the term of four years; and Steven Lewis, of Missouri, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Missouri, for the term of four years; and Brian Barber, of Louisiana, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Louisiana for the term of four years; and James Bishop, of North Carolina, to be United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina for the term of four years; and Phillip Williams, Jr., of Alabama, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama for the term of four years; and Melissa Holyoak, of Utah, to be United States Attorney for the District of Utah for the term of four years; and Arvind Raman, of Indiana, to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology; and Seval Oz, of California, to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation; and Richard Kloster, of West Virginia, to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board for a term expiring December 31, 2028; and Michael Graham, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2030; and Matthew Anderson, of Colorado, to be Deputy Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and Frank Garcia, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (African Affairs); and Wesley Brooks, of Florida, to be Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs; and Asel Roberts, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Slovenia; and Robert Sweeney, of Texas, to be United States Director of the Asian Development Bank, with the rank of Ambassador; and Jared Novelly, of Missouri, to be Ambassador to New Zealand, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Independent State of Samoa, the Cook Islands, and Niue; and William Long, of Missouri, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Iceland; and Lee Lipton, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines; and Mark Ditlevson, of Minnesota, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense; and Brian Birdwell, of Texas, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense; and David St. Pierre, of Maine, to be United States Marshal for the District of Maine for the term of four years; and Daniel Satterlee, of South Dakota, to be United States Marshal for the District of South Dakota for the term of four years; and Robert Rotter, of Iowa, to be United States Marshal for the Northern District of Iowa for the term of four years; and Kyle Haustveit, of North Dakota, to be Under Secretary of Energy; and David LaCerte, of Louisiana, to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2031; and Stevan Pearce, of New Mexico, to be Director of the Bureau of Land Management; and Douglas Weaver, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the term of five years expiring June 30, 2031; and Gregory Gilmore, of Illinois, to be United States Attorney for the Central District of Illinois for the term of four years; and Ryan Raybould, of Texas, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas for the term of four years; and Zachary Keller, of Louisiana, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana for the term of four years; and Thomas Govan, Jr., of Alabama, to be United States Attorney for the Middle District of Alabama for the term of four years; and Robert Harvey, of Florida, to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner for a term expiring June 30, 2029; and Steven Haines, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce; and Daniel Edwards, of North Carolina, to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation; and Frank Weiland, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs); and Jennifer Wicks McNamara, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; and Eric Meyer, of California, to be Ambassador to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka; and Gregory LoGerfo, of Massachusetts, to be Coordinator for Counterterrorism, with the rank and status of Ambassador at Large; and Darin Smith, of Wyoming, to be United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming for the term of four years; and Richard Price, of Missouri, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri for the term of four years; and Brian David Miller, of Pennsylvania, to be United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania for the term of four years; and Kevin Holmes, of Arkansas, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas for the term of four years; and William Boyle, of North Carolina, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina for the term of four years; and Andrew Benson, of Maine, to be United States Attorney for the District of Maine for the term of four yearsOn the Nomination | Not voting |
| May 11, 2026 | An executive resolution authorizing the en bloc consideration in Executive Session of certain nominations on the Executive Calendar.On the Resolution · This resolution authorizes the en bloc consideration of 49 nominations for various roles, including executive officers and ambassadors. | Not voting |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Andrew B. Davis, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of TexasOn the Nomination | Not voting |
| Apr 13, 2026 | John Thomas Shepherd, of Arkansas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of ArkansasOn the Cloture Motion | Not voting |
Yea ■ filled · Nay □ open · Not voting – dash. Party split bars: Democrats left, Republicans right; dark = yea, light = nay.
What Risch is saying
All 9 statements and posts-
Risch Names Disciples Coffee as September Small Business of the Month
Named Disciples Coffee in Boise as Idaho Small Business of the Month for September.
“Started in 2023, Disciples Coffee set out with the mission to serve more than just coffee to the Treasure Valley.”
Small Business RecognitionAI-read
-
Risch Urges DOJ to Investigate ATF’s Illegal Gun Registry
Sent letter to DOJ urging investigation into ATF's maintenance of 1.4 billion firearm records.
“American citizens are entitled to exercise their Second Amendment rights without the federal government compiling searchable lists of their names and firearms.”
-
Risch Introduces Bill to Lower Cost of Housing
Introduced bill to eliminate duplicative energy efficiency regulations on manufactured housing.
“Homeownership is central to the American dream, and I am committed to making that a reality attainable for every hardworking Idahoan.”
-
Risch Celebrates First-Ever Permit Issued Under Good Samaritan Mine Cleanup Law
U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) celebrated the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) first-ever permit under the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Pilot Program.
“The first Good Samaritan permit is a momentous occasion, ending decades worth of legal battles that prevented commonsense environmental improvements from taking place at long-abandoned hardrock mines.”
-
Idaho Senators Seeking Idaho Student to Light U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in Washington
U.S. Senators, Jim Risch and Mike Crapo (both R-Idaho), announced a statewide contest to select one Idaho student to assist in powering the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree this December.
“Idaho’s youth is blessed to grow up and explore some of the best forests in the country.”
-
Risch Names Grooveberries as August Small Business of the Month
U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of Grooveberries in Coeur d’Alene as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for…
“Since Sarah and Chase Gibson took over the frozen yogurt shop in 2021, Grooveberries has become a family favorite in the Coeur d’Alene community.”
◇ statements (press releases) · ○ posts. When a statement names a bill Risch voted on, the vote is shown next to it.
Effectiveness, 119th Congress so far
How it’s measuredMeets expectations
Rank 48 of 100 in the Senate · expected = average of 21 majority-party committee chairs
How far Risch’s own bills got, weighted by substance. The average member scores 1.00.
- Introduced 49
- Action in committee 14
- Action beyond committee 11
- Passed chamber 0
- Became law 0
49 bills and joint resolutions sponsored: 0 significant (got a roll call vote), 49 substantive, 0 commemorative. Compare the Senate
Bills, 119th Congress
All 61 sponsored billsSponsored 61 (Senate median 61) · cosponsored 330 (median 308), 185 of them as an original cosponsor · most often on International Affairs, Crime and Law Enforcement, Energy.
- S. 5484 Affordable HOMES Act of 2026Energy · Introduced Sep 23, 2026 In committee
- S. 5374 A bill to facilitate the conveyance of certain land in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, platted under section 2387 of the Revised Statutes, and for other purposes.Conveys platted land in Bonners Ferry, Idaho to a specified recipient. AI-readPublic Lands and Natural Resources · Introduced Aug 7, 2026 Out of committee
- S.Res. 827 A resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Inc. (SAAMI) and commending its work establishing industry standards that ensure the safe interoperability of firearms and ammunition.Crime and Law Enforcement · Introduced Aug 6, 2026 In committee
- S. 5266 Veterans’ Earned Benefits Access Act of 2026Armed Forces and National Security · Introduced Aug 5, 2026 In committee
- S. 5254 Civil Nuclear Export Act of 2026Foreign Trade and International Finance · Introduced Aug 5, 2026 In committee
- S. 1169 Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes ActTaxation · Introduced Aug 4, 2026 In committee
- S.Res. 826 A resolution honoring the contributions of small manufacturers of firearms to the economy, culture, and recreational heritage of the United States and recognizing the month of August 2026 as "National Shooting Sports Month".Sports and Recreation · Introduced Jul 30, 2026 In committee
- S. 2904 SHADOW Fleet Sanctions Act of 2026Bill title and summary unavailable; cannot determine bill's content or effects. AI-readInternational Affairs · Introduced Jul 15, 2026 Out of committee
Votes by issue
How votes are tagged| Issue | Votes | Yea share |
|---|---|---|
| Nominations | 219 | 100% |
| Economics and Public Finance | 206 | 39% |
| Other | 109 | 100% |
| Armed Forces & National Security | 51 | 84% |
| Immigration | 37 | 27% |
| International Affairs | 36 | 17% |
| Energy & environment | 26 | 100% |
| Finance and Financial Sector | 19 | 79% |
| Congress | 18 | 94% |
| Environmental Protection | 18 | 61% |
Show all 32 issues
| Issue | Votes | Yea share |
|---|---|---|
| Public Lands and Natural Resources | 15 | 100% |
| Taxes, finance & economy | 14 | 100% |
| Government Operations and Politics | 13 | 77% |
| Energy | 12 | 100% |
| Sports and Recreation | 12 | 67% |
| Transportation and Public Works | 12 | 42% |
| Foreign affairs & trade | 9 | 100% |
| Housing and Community Development | 8 | 100% |
| Health care | 8 | 100% |
| Transportation & infrastructure | 8 | 100% |
| Taxation | 7 | 57% |
| Budget & appropriations | 7 | 100% |
| Foreign Trade and International Finance | 6 | 17% |
| Crime and Law Enforcement | 4 | 100% |
| Health | 4 | 25% |
| Education & families | 3 | 100% |
| Emergency Management | 2 | 0% |
| Crime & justice | 2 | 100% |
| Education | 1 | 0% |
| Families | 1 | 0% |
| Science, Technology, Communications | 1 | 100% |
| Immigration & border | 1 | 100% |
How often Risch voted with Republicans on each issue is part of Pro.
Who votes alike
MethodAgreement on contested votes where both cast yea or nay.
Most aligned
- RMike CrapoID Senate100%agreement
- RSteve DainesMT Senate100%agreement
- RBernie MorenoOH Senate100%agreement
Full voting network Pro See all twelve closest allies, the members Risch most often votes against, and the closest allies in the other party.
Try ProCampaign money
MethodIn the 2025–26 cycle Risch’s campaign raised $3.4M: $2.1M (62%) from individuals and $897K (27%) from PACs and other committees. Cash on hand: $3.5M.
Through Jun 30, 2026; filings lag, so recent gifts can take weeks to appear. Money raised also counts loans and transfers, so the shares need not add to 100%. Source: FEC.gov.
Last cycle, party money, self-funding and debts are part of Pro. See Pro
Who funds Risch
The largest PACs and other committees giving directly to the campaign this cycle, of 241.
- Young Victory Committee Party committee
- Norpac Independent PAC
- Hoeven Member’s leadership PAC
See how much each organization gave Risch this cycle and last, the mix of corporate, labor, trade and other PACs, and who else each one funds.
Start with a free account Log inRisch’s own leadership PAC: Save America PAC. A separate PAC a member sponsors to give to other candidates.
Record over time
Historical record Pro Compare Risch’s measures across every Congress on file.
Try ProRésumé and contact
Career in Congress
- U.S. Senate, IdahoRepublican2009–present
Seat
- State
- Idaho
- Seat
- Class 2, junior senator
- Current term
- 2021–2027
- Age
- 83
Committees and roles
- Energy and Natural Resources
- Foreign Relations Chairman
- Africa and Global Health Policy Ex Officio
- East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy Ex Officio
- Europe and Regional Security Cooperation Ex Officio
- Multilateral International Development, Multilateral Institutions, and International Economic, Energy, and Environmental Policy Ex Officio
- Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism Ex Officio
- State Department and USAID Management, International Operations, and Bilateral International Development Ex Officio
- Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues Ex Officio
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Select Committee on Ethics
- Select Committee on Intelligence
- United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control
Contact
- DC office
- 202-224-2752
483 Russell Senate Office Building - District offices
- Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Twin Falls, Pocatello
- Website
- risch.senate.gov
- senatorjimrisch
- YouTube
- SenatorJamesRisch
Elsewhere
Wikipedia · Ballotpedia · GovTrack · Congress.gov · OpenSecrets
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