James E. Risch
James Elroy Risch is an American lawyer and politician who has served as the junior United States senator from Idaho since 2009. A member of the Republican Party, he served as Lieutenant Governor of Idaho under Governors Dirk Kempthorne and Butch Otter, and briefly as governor between their terms.
100 votes
13 days until Election Day
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 — every House seat and about a third of the Senate are on the ballot.
Background
Born
1943-05-03, Milwaukee
Education
University of Idaho, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, University of Idaho College of Law
Prior Occupations
politician
Positions Held
member of the State Senate of Idaho, Governor of Idaho, prosecutor, majority leader, president pro tempore, United States senator
News mentioning James E. Risch
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Country
United States
Chamber
Senate
Party
Republican
State
Idaho
Status
Current member
In office since
2009
Competency Scorecard
What this person's job actually involves