Meet Jim Risch
Get To Know Jim
Jim Risch is currently serving his third term as a U.S. Senator for Idaho. As one of the Senate’s most conservative members, he has led the charge to protect Second Amendment rights, oppose wasteful federal spending, and defend Idahoans’ way of life.
Public Service
After receiving his law degree from the University of Idaho, Jim began his career in public service as a prosecuting attorney in Boise. At just 27, he was elected as Ada County Prosecuting Attorney and served for two terms. Jim was then elected to the Idaho Senate, where his leadership quickly earned him the positions of Republican Majority Leader and President Pro Tempore.
In 2003, Jim was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Idaho, a post he held until becoming Idaho’s 31st Governor in 2006. As Governor, Jim lowered property taxes by 20% and set aside $100 million for schools. He spearheaded a plan to manage Idaho’s roadless areas, providing enhanced protection for critical land areas while preserving multiple use provisions.
In 2008, the people of Idaho elected Jim to be Idaho’s 28th U.S. Senator. He earned re-election in 2014 and 2020. Jim advocates for Idaho’s interests on the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, giving Idaho a voice on legislation that directly shapes the West. He also serves on the Select Committee on Intelligence and the Select Committee on Ethics. Jim is a member and former chairman of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. He currently serves as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.
Personal Life
Born to a lineman for a telephone company and a school cafeteria worker, Jim had hard work and perseverance ingrained in him from a young age. Jim worked through college cleaning carpets, serving food, and harvesting peas. He earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry from the University of Idaho and later a Juris Doctorate. Outside of public service, Jim ran a successful law firm, two small businesses, and a ranch near Boise, where he and his wife Vicki live today.
Jim and Vicki have been married for 57 years. They are the proud parents to three sons and their three daughters-in-law and have nine grandchildren. Their commitment to Idaho and dedication to the community earned Jim and Vicki the honor of serving as Idaho’s Healthy Marriage Ambassadors.
