Decision Maker

Jim Risch

U.S. Senate - Idaho

Idaho, Idaho

James Elroy Risch, born in 1943, is a seasoned American lawyer and Republican politician, serving as the junior United States Senator from Idaho since 2009. Risch's extensive career in public service began as a prosecutor from 1970 to 1974. He was a State Senator in Idaho from 1974 to 1989, serving as majority leader and president pro tempore. Risch was the Lieutenant Governor of Idaho from 2003 to 2006 and again from 2007 to 2009, and briefly served as the 31st Governor of Idaho from 2006 to 2007. His professional experience includes roles such as a criminal law teacher at Boise State University and a senior partner at Risch Goss Insinger Gustavel Law Firm. Risch holds a Bachelor's degree in Forestry and a JD from the University of Idaho.