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Jim Risch
Politicians/Jim Risch
Jim Risch (R)
Senator (ID)
Role Summary

Members of the Senate are responsible for introducing and voting on federal legislation, representing their state, and providing a check on executive power. Key powers include confirming presidential appointments, ratifying treaties, serving on committees, shaping the federal budget, and conducting impeachment trials. Each senator serves a six-year term and represents their entire state.

Quick Facts
Party
Republican
Age
83
Religion
Catholic
Birthplace
Milwaukee, WI
Residence
Ada County, ID
Born
May 3, 1943
Family
Wife: Vicki; 3 Children: James, Jason, Jordan
Contact
208-523-5541Contact Formrisch.senate.gov
Election Info
DistrictJunior Seat, ID
Current Term01/05/2009 — Present
First Elected11/04/2008
Last Elected11/03/2020
Next Senator Election2026
Education
Attended
University of Wisconsin
JD
University of Idaho College of Law
1968
BS, Forestry
University of Idaho
1965
Political Career7
Senator
United States Senate
2008-present
Senator
Idaho State Senate
1975-1988, 1995-2002
Lieutenant Governor
State of Idaho
2003-2006, 2007-2009
Former Governor
State of Idaho
2006-2008
Former President Pro Tempore
Idaho State Senate
1982-1989
Former Majority Leader
Idaho State Senate
1976-1982
Chair
Bush Presidential Campaign, Idaho
1988
Professional Background3
Former Professor of Law
Boise State University
1972-1975
Senior Partner/Attorney
Risch, Goss, Insinger, and Gustavel
Former Prosecuting Attorney
Ada County
1970-1974
Organizations19
Phi Delta Theta
Member
Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association
Former President
Idaho Republican Party
General Council Member
American Bar Association
Member
American Judicature Society
Member
Ducks Unlimited
Member
Idaho Cattleman's Association
Member
Idaho Bar Association
Member
Idaho Angus Association
Member
Law Review, University of Idaho
Member
National Rifle Association
Member
American Angus Association
Member
Boise Bar Association
Member
Boise Valley Angus Association
Member
National District Attorney's Association
Director
College of Law Advisory Committee, University of Idaho
Member
College of Law Advisory Committee, University of Idaho
Member
Xi Sigma Pi Law Review
Member
National Cattleman's Association
Member
Committees8
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Committee on Foreign Relations
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Select Committee on Ethics
Select Committee on Intelligence
Subcommittee on Energy
Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining
Subcommittee on Water and Power

Recent Bills & Votes

S 5271A bill to amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require voters to provide photo identificationVoted YesHR 6500African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension ActVoted YesHR 5334Supporting Early-childhood Educators' Deductions (SEED) Act of 2025Voted YesS J Res 187A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Modification to the Start of the Submission Period for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Reporting and Recordkeeping Under TSCA 8(a)(7)"Voted NoS J Res 181A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by CongressVoted No
Quick Facts
Party
Republican
Age
83
Religion
Catholic
Birthplace
Milwaukee, WI
Residence
Ada County, ID
Born
May 3, 1943
Family
Wife: Vicki; 3 Children: James, Jason, Jordan
Contact
208-523-5541Contact Formrisch.senate.gov