States Idaho U.S. Senate
U.S. Senate
U.S. Senate, Idaho
November 3, 2026 · 14 statements · 2026.09.30-fe18fa7c
Candidates
Also on the ballot
Natalie Fleming Independent Not researched: below our published threshold Matt Loesby Libertarian Not researched: below our published threshold
We research every Democratic or Republican nominee, every incumbent, and anyone who raised at least $50,000 (per the FEC) or reached 5 percent in a public poll. Methodology
Statements and positions
Agree Disagree No clear position
Select a position to see the evidence behind it.
Todd Achilles Independent Jim Risch Republican, incumbent
Federal statements
Economy No. 01/14
The federal minimum wage should be raised above $7.25 an hour.
Background The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since 2009. States and cities can set higher minimums, and many do.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Reviewed Sep 30, 2026 by edo.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Todd Achilles's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Risch (R-ID), Nay
Vote record · Apr 30, 2014 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
Open sourcesenate.gov
No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jim Risch's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Taxes No. 02/14
Federal income taxes should be raised on households earning more than $400,000 a year.
Background This would increase the federal income tax owed by the highest-earning households. Households below that income would not be affected by this change.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Todd Achilles's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.70)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jim Risch's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Health care No. 03/14
Federal premium subsidies for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans should be expanded.
Background These subsidies lower the monthly cost of health plans bought on HealthCare.gov and state marketplaces. Expanding them would lower premiums for more buyers and increase federal spending.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Reviewed Sep 30, 2026 by edo.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Todd Achilles's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Today I have voted once again, as I have since the beginning and each step of the way, to defund this abomination before it inflicts even greater pain on Idahoans.
Campaign or official site · Sep 27, 2013 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
Open sourcerisch.senate.gov
Archived copy
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jim Risch's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Immigration No. 04/14
Congress should fund more physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Background This would pay for additional fencing or wall along the southern border. It concerns construction funding, not other kinds of border enforcement.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Todd Achilles's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Now is the time to finish the southern border wall. The WALL Act helps President Trump complete what he started in his first term and does it all without adding a dime to our national debt.
Campaign or official site · Jan 27, 2025 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
Open sourcerisch.senate.gov
Archived copy
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.85)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jim Risch's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Guns No. 05/14
Federal law should require background checks for all gun sales, including private sales.
Background Federal law requires background checks for sales by licensed dealers but not for most sales between private individuals. This would extend the requirement to private sales.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Todd Achilles's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Risch (R-ID), Nay
Vote record · Apr 17, 2013 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
Open sourcesenate.gov
No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.80)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jim Risch's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Abortion No. 06/14
Abortion laws should be set by each state rather than by Congress.
Background Since the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs decision, each state sets its own abortion laws. Agreeing means Congress should not pass a national law that either expands or restricts access.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Reviewed Sep 30, 2026 by edo.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Todd Achilles's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
When the Supreme Court released its decision in Dobbs in 2022, the Court returned the power to determine abortion laws to the states.
Campaign or official site · Jun 27, 2024 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
Open sourcerisch.senate.gov
No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.80)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jim Risch's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Energy and climate No. 07/14
The federal government should expand oil and gas drilling on federal lands and waters.
Background This concerns leases on land and offshore areas the federal government owns. It does not cover drilling on private or state land.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Todd Achilles's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
The Biden administration's failure to conduct legally required oil and gas lease sales has led to higher energy prices.
Campaign or official site · Dec 11, 2023 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
Open sourcerisch.senate.gov
No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.80)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jim Risch's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Energy and climate No. 08/14
The federal government should limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
Background This would set federal limits on the carbon pollution power plants release. It concerns regulation by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Todd Achilles's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.70)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jim Risch's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Economy No. 09/14
The U.S. should keep broad tariffs on imported goods.
Background Tariffs are taxes paid on imported goods. Since 2025 the U.S. has applied tariffs to imports from most countries, and this statement is about keeping them in place.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Todd Achilles's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Low (0.55)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jim Risch's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Democracy and elections No. 10/14
Voters should have to show photo identification to vote in federal elections.
Background Voter ID rules are set by each state today and vary widely. This would set one photo ID requirement for federal elections nationwide.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Todd Achilles's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We Republicans are saying, look, if you're going to vote, it's fair that everybody knows that you are who you say you are and you are qualified to vote.
Campaign or official site · Mar 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
Open sourcerisch.senate.gov
Archived copy
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.75)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jim Risch's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Foreign policy No. 11/14
The U.S. should continue sending military aid to Ukraine.
Background The U.S. has provided weapons and military funding to Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion. This would keep that support going.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Todd Achilles's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
The sooner we give Ukraine the equipment it needs to defeat Russia, the sooner the war will end, the cheaper it will be, and the more lives will be saved.
Campaign or official site · Feb 23, 2023 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
Open sourceforeign.senate.gov
Archived copy
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.80)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jim Risch's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Foreign policy No. 12/14
The president should get approval from Congress before taking further military action against Iran.
Background The U.S. carried out military strikes on Iran in 2025 without a vote in Congress. This would require approval by Congress before further U.S. military action against Iran, other than responding to an attack.
I will fight to reassert Congress' constitutional authority over decisions of war and peace, so that America's sons and daughters are not sent into combat without the debate, accountability, and explicit authorization the Constitution requires.
Campaign or official site · Sep 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
Open sourceachillesforidaho.com
Archived copy
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.75)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Todd Achilles's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
The Constitution and statutes are equally clear that the president not only may, but must, act to defend America and Americans at a time or place that a threat presents itself.
Campaign or official site · Jun 27, 2025 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
Open sourceforeign.senate.gov
Archived copy
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.75)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jim Risch's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Housing No. 13/14
The federal government should spend more to build housing that low- and middle-income families can afford.
Background Federal programs such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and HOME grants help pay for affordable homes and apartments. This would increase federal funding for building that housing.
I will work to increase housing supply by promoting legislation that rewards cities for building more housing, ends discriminatory rules against manufactured housing, expands apprenticeship programs, and provides federal loans to finance rural housing infrastructure.
Campaign or official site · Sep 24, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
Open sourceachillesforidaho.com
Archived copy
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.75)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Todd Achilles's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jim Risch's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Education No. 14/14
Federal tax credits should fund scholarships that families can use for private school tuition.
Background A 2025 federal law created a tax credit, starting in 2027, for donations to groups that fund private school scholarships in states that opt in. Agreeing means keeping or expanding that kind of federal support.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Todd Achilles's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Mr. Cassidy (for himself, Mr. Scott of South Carolina, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Daines, ... Mr. Risch, ...) introduced the following bill
Vote record · Jan 29, 2025 · retrieved Sep 23, 2026
Open sourcecongress.gov
No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.80)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Jim Risch's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked