James Risch

James Elroy Risch is a Republican politician who has served as the junior U.S. Senator from Idaho since 2009. Born on May 3, 1943, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he moved to Idaho to attend the University of Idaho, where he earned a bachelor's degree in forestry in 1965 and a Juris Doctor in 1968. His career in public service began in 1970 when he was elected as the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney. He subsequently served two long tenures in the Idaho State Senate, where he held leadership roles including Majority Leader and President Pro Tempore. Before his election to the U.S. Senate, Risch held several statewide offices in Idaho. He was elected Lieutenant Governor in 2002 and briefly became the 31st Governor of Idaho in 2006 when the sitting governor resigned to join the U.S. Department of the Interior. during his time as governor, he achieved a significant property tax reform that cut property taxes by 20 percent and secured additional funding for public schools. He returned to the lieutenant governorship in 2007 before winning his first term in the U.S. Senate in the 2008 election. In the Senate, Risch has become a prominent voice on foreign policy and energy issues. He has served as both the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he focuses on national security, global stability, and U.S. interests abroad. His legislative record reflects a conservative philosophy, prioritizing limited federal government oversight, fiscal responsibility, and the protection of Idaho's natural resources and agricultural industries.

Senator Risch's policy positions are characterized by a focus on fiscal conservatism, national security, and energy independence. He is a staunch advocate for lower taxes and reduced government spending, supporting the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and regularly voting for deregulation to support small businesses. In the realm of energy, he is a leading proponent of nuclear power and advocates for the development of Idaho's natural resources, often opposing what he considers federal overreach by agencies like the EPA. Regarding foreign policy, Risch emphasizes a "peace through strength" doctrine, advocating for a strong military and a firm stance against autocratic regimes. He is also a consistent supporter of Second Amendment rights and emphasizes the importance of securing U.S. borders and maintaining law enforcement funding.