--- title: "Achilles vs. Risch: 2026 Idaho Senate race" url: "https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-senate-id" updated: "2026-10-09" source: "Candidates' campaign sites and Ballotpedia, quoted verbatim" publisher: "Pluribus" --- # 2026 Idaho Senate race: Todd Achilles (Independent) vs. Jim Risch (R) Rating: Safe R · Election: November 3, 2026 · Ballot checked: October 9, 2026 · Positions captured: October 9, 2026 In the 2026 Idaho U.S. Senate election, three-term incumbent Republican Senator Jim Risch faces Independent candidate Todd Achilles, a U.S. Army veteran, former state representative, and business executive. The race hinges on whether Achilles can assemble a coalition of independents, Democrats, and moderate Republicans behind his anti-corruption, antitrust, and public lands platform, or if Risch's high conservative name recognition and long tenure in Idaho politics will keep the seat comfortably Republican. ## Candidates - **Todd Achilles** (Independent) · [Campaign site](https://www.achillesforidaho.com/) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Todd_Achilles) - **Jim Risch** (Republican) · [Campaign site](https://senatorrisch.com/) · [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jim_Risch) ## Issues ### Government Reform and Congressional Ethics Salience: high Achilles makes term limits, stock trading bans, and refusing to caucus with major parties central to his platform, whereas Risch relies on his long Senate tenure and opposes ranked-choice voting reforms. **Todd Achilles:** Supports term limits and ethics reform Achilles centers his campaign on ending congressional corruption and political polarization by running as an Independent who will not caucus with either major party. He advocates strict structural reforms including term limits, stock trading bans for lawmakers, lobbying restrictions, and campaign finance limits. - Signed a prospective irrevocable letter of resignation committed to self-enforced term limits. - Pledged not to caucus with either the Democratic or Republican Party if elected to the Senate. - Supports banning congressional stock trading, closing the lobbying revolving door, and overturning Citizens United. - Advocates for age limits for members of the U.S. Senate. > “Stopping the corruption in Congress is my first main point I want voters to remember about my candidacy.” > — Todd Achilles, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Todd_Achilles) > “I support term limits, getting money out of elections and overturning Citizens United, banning congressional stock trading, ending the revolving door between Congress and lobbying, and stopping gerrymandering.” > — Todd Achilles, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Todd_Achilles) > “Idaho independent Todd Achilles says he won't caucus with either party if elected to Senate” > — Todd Achilles, via [Campaign site](https://www.achillesforidaho.com/) **Jim Risch:** Opposes ranked-choice voting reform Risch relies on his long record of service in state and federal government as evidence of effective leadership for Idaho. He opposed state electoral reforms such as Proposition 1 while supporting targeted transparency measures like publishing government records on Jeffrey Epstein. - Opposed Idaho Proposition 1 (Top-Four Ranked-Choice Voting Initiative) in 2024. - Supported the Epstein Files Transparency Act (H.R. 4405) in 2025 by unanimous consent. - Serves on the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. > “Idaho Proposition 1, Top-Four Ranked-Choice Voting Initiative (2024) Position: Oppose” > — Jim Risch, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jim_Risch) ### Public Lands and Natural Resources Salience: high Both candidates oppose selling public lands, but Risch prioritizes active forest logging, grazing, and local control, while Achilles emphasizes conservation investment and outdoor recreation access. **Todd Achilles:** Opposes selling public lands Achilles emphasizes that public lands make up 62% of Idaho and pledges that no federal land will be sold during his tenure. He focuses on preserving public access for outdoor recreation, investing in conservation, and supporting rural economies dependent on public lands. - Pledges that no public land in Idaho will be sold under his watch. - Supports protecting open spaces, clean air, and water for future generations. - Promotes investments in conservation and rural economies tied to outdoor recreation. > “Not one acre of public land will be sold under my watch. I will fight to preserve our open spaces, clean air, and water for future generations.” > — Todd Achilles, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Todd_Achilles) > “Protecting Idaho’s public lands which account for 62% of the state’s land.” > — Todd Achilles, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Todd_Achilles) **Jim Risch:** Defends multiple-use public lands Risch highlights his Senate efforts to stop federal sales of public lands while championing multiple-use access for logging, grazing, hunting, and outdoor recreation. He promotes active forest management to suppress catastrophic wildfires and opposes federal regulatory overreach on private and state lands. - Led Senate legislation to block federal proposals selling off Idaho public lands. - Advocates active forest management and timber harvests to reduce wildfire hazards. - Opposed EPA regulatory overreach and worked with President Trump to halt the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project. > “I led the fight in the Senate to stop a proposal that would have sold some of Idaho’s public lands to the highest bidder.” > — Jim Risch, via [Campaign site](https://senatorrisch.com/) > “Healthy, actively managed forests are key to protecting Idaho communities from devastating wildfires.” > — Jim Risch, via [Campaign site](https://senatorrisch.com/) > “Washington bureaucrats have no business telling Idaho landowners what they can and cannot do on their own land.” > — Jim Risch, via [Campaign site](https://senatorrisch.com/) ### Economy, Inflation, and Tax Policy Salience: high Risch focuses on federal tax relief, deregulation, and curbing federal spending, whereas Achilles advocates breaking up corporate monopolies, ending corporate tax loopholes, and empowering labor unions. **Todd Achilles:** Targets corporate monopolies and loopholes Achilles proposes strengthening the middle class by breaking up corporate monopolies, closing tax loopholes for corporations and high earners, and reducing the national debt. He also supports labor unions by rolling back right-to-work laws and restricting corporate ownership of single-family housing. - Calls for breaking up monopolies in technology, agriculture, and other major sectors. - Proposes eliminating tax loopholes for corporations and high-income earners while shrinking national debt. - Supports rolling back right-to-work laws to empower labor unions and raise wages. - Advocates restricting corporate ownership of single-family residential housing. > “My priorities include shrinking the national debt, breaking up monopolies in technology, agriculture and other sectors, eliminating corporate and high income tax loopholes” > — Todd Achilles, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Todd_Achilles) > “raising wages by rolling back right-to-work laws and giving unions a chance to compete, restricting corporate ownership of single family housing” > — Todd Achilles, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Todd_Achilles) **Jim Risch:** Supports tax cuts and spending reduction Risch blames Democratic spending policies for driving inflation and champions deregulation and tax cuts to spur economic growth. He supported the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, voted for the 2025 tax and debt budget reconciliation act, and backed tax relief measures like the No Tax on Tips Act. - Voted for the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) reconciliation bill adjusting tax policy and debt limits. - Supported the No Tax on Tips Act (S. 129) by unanimous consent in 2025. - Highlighted his gubernatorial record reducing Idaho property taxes by 20%. - Voted against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 and the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act citing high spending. > “Biden’s record inflation crushed Idaho families with higher prices on everything. I’m fighting to reverse that damage and bring real relief through lower energy costs and common-sense policies.” > — Jim Risch, via [Campaign site](https://senatorrisch.com/) > “From day one, I have spent my career cutting taxes and putting more money back into the pockets of Idaho families and businesses.” > — Jim Risch, via [Campaign site](https://senatorrisch.com/) ### Border Security and Immigration Salience: medium Risch emphasizes strict federal border enforcement and mandatory immigration detention, while Achilles' immigration positions are less prominently featured in his primary platform. **Todd Achilles:** Addresses immigration policy in media Achilles' platform on immigration has been analyzed in state media coverage during the Senate race, though he does not highlight explicit border enforcement proposals in his primary campaign survey responses. - Featured in state press coverage analyzing candidate positions on immigration policy. > “Fact check: Where Idaho U.S. Senate candidates stand on immigration” > — Todd Achilles, via [Campaign site](https://www.achillesforidaho.com/) **Jim Risch:** Supports strict border enforcement Risch advocates strict enforcement of federal immigration laws, mandatory detention of unlawful immigrants committing offenses, and increased border physical security. He voted for the Laken Riley Act and supported impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. - Voted for the Laken Riley Act (S. 5) requiring mandatory detention of undocumented immigrants arrested for theft. - Voted against dismissing impeachment charges against DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in 2024. - Voted against the Senate Border Act of 2024. > “A nation without secure borders is not sovereign. I have always supported efforts to secure our border, enforce our immigration laws, and hold criminals accountable.” > — Jim Risch, via [Campaign site](https://senatorrisch.com/) ### Energy and Development Salience: medium Risch promotes traditional hydropower and nuclear energy while opposing wind projects like Lava Ridge, whereas Achilles focuses on modernizing antitrust and data privacy laws. **Todd Achilles:** Supports digital and economic modernization Achilles addresses broader economic development by advocating for modernizing antitrust laws, reforming digital technology markets, and enacting consumer data privacy legislation. - Calls for federal data privacy legislation to protect user information online. - Advocates modernizing antitrust statutes for the digital economy. > “passing data privacy laws so that our online data can’t be weaponized against us, modernizing antitrust laws for the digital economy” > — Todd Achilles, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Todd_Achilles) **Jim Risch:** Supports nuclear energy and hydropower Risch advocates expanding domestic energy production with an emphasis on nuclear energy infrastructure and hydroelectric power. He strongly opposes activist efforts to breach Idaho dams and worked to block federal approval for the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project. - Promotes nuclear energy expansion and defends hydroelectric dams against breaching proposals. - Worked with President Trump to stop the Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project in Idaho. - Voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021. > “I am a leading voice on strengthening America’s nuclear energy infrastructure and defending hydropower from activist dam breaching efforts.” > — Jim Risch, via [Campaign site](https://senatorrisch.com/) > “The Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project was a prime example. I’m honored and proud to have worked with President Trump to stop Lava Ridge on day one of his new administration.” > — Jim Risch, via [Campaign site](https://senatorrisch.com/) ### Healthcare Salience: medium Achilles proposes unwinding vertically integrated corporate healthcare systems, while Risch consistently votes against federal healthcare subsidies and spending bills. **Todd Achilles:** Unwinding vertical healthcare monopolies Achilles frames healthcare affordability as a primary middle-class concern and advocates unwinding vertically integrated healthcare conglomerates to increase market competition and lower consumer costs. - Proposes unwinding vertically integrated healthcare companies to increase market competition. - Focuses on reducing out-of-pocket costs for families. > “making healthcare more affordable by unwinding vertically integrated healthcare companies” > — Todd Achilles, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Todd_Achilles) **Jim Risch:** Opposes federal healthcare mandates Risch opposes federal healthcare spending expansions and government health mandates. He voted against legislation extending expanded health insurance tax credits and Medicaid funding, as well as federal IVF access codification. - Voted against S. 2882 extending health insurance tax credits and Medicaid funding. - Voted against the Right to IVF Act (S. 4445) in 2024. - Voted against the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. > “S.2882” > — Jim Risch, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jim_Risch) ### Foreign Policy and National Defense Salience: medium Risch uses his senior foreign policy role to support defense spending and foreign aid to allies, while Achilles opposes endless foreign wars and criticizes foreign military spending. **Todd Achilles:** Opposes endless foreign conflicts Drawing on his background as a U.S. Army armor officer, Achilles criticizes both major political parties for entangling the nation in endless overseas military conflicts and high foreign spending. - Criticizes both major parties for keeping the nation involved in endless foreign conflicts. - Authored an op-ed framing the election as a referendum on military policy regarding Iran. - Bases his foreign policy perspective on his military service as an Army tank commander. > “Both parties increase the national debt, keep us in endless wars, and favor big corporations” > — Todd Achilles, via [Campaign site](https://www.achillesforidaho.com/) > “OPINION: Achilles-Risch campaign is a referendum on Iran” > — Todd Achilles, via [Campaign site](https://www.achillesforidaho.com/) **Jim Risch:** Supports foreign aid and strong national defense Serving as Chairman or Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Risch favors a robust national defense posture and active international leadership. He voted for annual defense authorization bills and emergency foreign military assistance for allies. - Serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. - Voted for the FY2024 and FY2026 National Defense Authorization Acts. - Voted for H.R. 815 providing emergency aid to Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine, alongside TikTok divestment. > “Committee on Foreign Relations, Chairman” > — Jim Risch, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jim_Risch) ### Social Issues and Sports Participation Salience: medium Risch campaigns explicitly on restricting biological males from female sports categories, while Achilles is backed by labor and education groups and opposes such restrictions according to Risch. **Todd Achilles:** Criticized by Risch on sports policy Achilles is cited by Risch as opposing restrictions on transgender participation in female sports programs. Achilles holds endorsements from major labor unions, teachers' organizations, and civil rights groups. - Endorsed by the National Education Association, AFL-CIO, CWA, AFT, and NOW. - Targeted by Risch's campaign for opposing restrictions on transgender athletes in female sports categories. > “Dave Roth and Todd Achilles both oppose our law keeping boys out of girls’ sports.” > — Todd Achilles, via [Campaign site](https://www.achillesforidaho.com/) **Jim Risch:** Supports restrictions on girls' sports Risch makes protecting female single-sex sports divisions a key campaign theme, supporting legislation to restrict biological males from competing in girls' sports. He also voted against federal codification of abortion rights and same-sex marriage. - Supports legislation restricting biological males from competing in female sports programs. - Voted against the Women's Health Protection Act of 2021. - Voted against the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022. > “Dave Roth and Todd Achilles both oppose our law keeping boys out of girls’ sports. I always have -- and always will -- stand up for fairness in girls' sports.” > — Jim Risch, via [Campaign site](https://senatorrisch.com/) ### Agriculture and Rural Economy Salience: medium Both stress farm backgrounds, but Risch focuses on deregulation, grazing rights, and Farm Bureau backing, while Achilles emphasizes breaking up big agriculture monopolies. **Todd Achilles:** Supports family farms over ag monopolies Drawing on his childhood upbringing on a family farm, Achilles advocates breaking up agricultural corporate monopolies to support independent producers and rural economies. - Raised on a family farm and advocates for independent agricultural producers. - Calls for breaking up corporate monopolies in the agriculture sector. - Served on the House Agricultural Affairs Committee in the Idaho Legislature. > “I grew up on a family farm, where I learned from a very young age the values we hold in Idaho: hard work and caring for others.” > — Todd Achilles, via [Campaign site](https://www.achillesforidaho.com/) > “breaking up monopolies in technology, agriculture and other sectors” > — Todd Achilles, via [Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Todd_Achilles) **Jim Risch:** Supports deregulation and ag tax relief As an active farmer and rancher, Risch focuses on protecting Idaho water rights, preserving public rangeland grazing, cutting federal regulations, and providing tax relief for agricultural producers. - Holds a 100% approval rating from the American Farm Bureau and received the Friend of Agriculture Award. - Focuses on defending public rangeland grazing, water rights, and rolling back federal regulations. - Active farmer and beef producer. > “As a farmer and beef producer, I know first-hand the challenges faced by Idaho’s agricultural families.” > — Jim Risch, via [Campaign site](https://senatorrisch.com/) > “I am proud to hold a 100% approval rating from the American Farm Bureau and have been honored with the Friend of Agriculture Award” > — Jim Risch, via [Campaign site](https://senatorrisch.com/) ### Second Amendment Rights Salience: low **Todd Achilles:** No documented position in our sources **Jim Risch:** Defends gun rights and opposes restrictions Risch is a gun owner, hunter, and NRA member who consistently opposes federal gun control measures. He voted to nullify the ATF's pistol brace rule and voted against the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. - Lifelong gun owner, hunter, and National Rifle Association (NRA) member. - Voted for H.J. Res. 44 in 2023 to overturn the ATF rule regulating pistol stabilizing braces. - Voted against the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022. > “As a lifelong gun owner, NRA member, and hunter, I have made protecting our Second Amendment a top priority.” > — Jim Risch, via [Campaign site](https://senatorrisch.com/) ## Polls and markets _Updated Oct 31._ - [Polymarket](https://polymarket.com/event/idaho-senate-election-winner) — Idaho Senate Election Winner: Republicans 96.3%, Will Todd Achilles win the Idaho Senate race in 2026? 3.5%, Democrats 0.1% - [Kalshi](https://kalshi.com/events/SENATEID-26) — Idaho Senate winner?: Jim Risch 95.6%, Todd Achilles 6.0%, David Roth 0.2% [View this race on 2026election.com](https://www.2026election.com/race/2026-senate-id)