Idaho's senior senator, Republican Jim Risch, has won a fourth term in the U.S. Senate, according to Decision Desk HQ projections. Risch, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, fended off a challenge from Independent Todd Achilles, a Boise attorney and political newcomer.
Risch's victory extends a Republican winning streak in Idaho Senate races that dates back to 1974, when Democrat Frank Church last won the seat. The state's deep conservative lean made Risch the clear favorite heading into Election Day, and early returns confirmed the expected outcome.
A former state lawmaker and prosecutor, Risch first entered statewide office as lieutenant governor in 2003. He briefly became governor in 2006 after then-Gov. Dirk Kempthorne resigned to serve as Interior Secretary under President George W. Bush. Rather than seek a full term as governor, Risch returned to the lieutenant governor's post before winning his Senate seat in 2008.
During his tenure, Risch has established himself as a leading Republican voice on foreign policy. As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he has been a vocal critic of China's influence in the Indo-Pacific and a strong advocate for robust U.S. defense spending abroad. His committee role has given him outsized influence in shaping American diplomacy, a point his campaign emphasized in ads and debates.
His opponent, Todd Achilles, ran as an independent, citing frustration with partisan gridlock. Achilles, a former U.S. Navy officer and tech entrepreneur, campaigned on pragmatic solutions to Idaho's housing shortage and healthcare costs. He criticized Risch's alignment with the GOP's hardline faction, arguing that the senator too often prioritized party loyalty over local needs.
Despite Achilles's efforts, he faced an uphill battle in a state where Republicans hold every statewide office and a supermajority in the legislature. National political observers had rated the race as safe for Risch throughout the cycle, a status that never wavered even as Achilles sought to tap into moderate and unaffiliated voters.
Risch's win comes as Republicans look to solidify their Senate majority in a midterm environment that has favored the opposition party historically. His victory, alongside other GOP incumbents like Oregon's Jeff Merkley and Virginia's Mark Warner—both Democrats who held their seats—shows the resilience of sitting senators in an era of heightened polarization.
In his victory speech, Risch thanked Idaho voters for their trust and pledged to continue fighting for the state's interests, particularly on issues of public lands, water rights, and federal overreach. He also reiterated his commitment to a strong national defense and a tough stance on foreign adversaries.
With Risch's re-election secured, Idaho's congressional delegation remains all-Republican. The state's other Senate seat is held by Mike Crapo, who was not up for re-election this year. Risch's next term will run through January 2031, making him one of the Senate's most senior members by then.
Political analysts note that Risch's longevity reflects Idaho's steadfast Republican identity, but also his own ability to navigate the shifting currents of the GOP. As he embarks on another six years, he will likely remain a central figure in debates over American foreign policy and the nation's role on the world stage.
