Risch Leads Achilles in Idaho Senate Race
Early returns show Republican incumbent Jim Risch ahead of independent challenger Todd Achilles in the contest for Idaho's U.S. Senate seat.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Jim Risch led independent challenger Todd Achilles in early results for the Idaho U.S. Senate race, with Risch at 46.3% and Achilles at 44.6% and two other candidates sharing the remaining vote. The election was held Tuesday, and early results were reported Tuesday night.
Why it matters
Achilles ran as an independent against three-term incumbent Risch, repeatedly criticizing Risch's age and arguing he should retire. Risch made the case that he was the obvious choice in deep-red Idaho, where the outcome will shape the state's Senate representation.
Risch received 46.3% of the vote and Achilles received 44.6% in early results, with two other candidates sharing the remaining vote. Final certified totals were not yet available, so the margin could still shift as remaining votes are counted.
The players
Jim Risch
Jim Risch is Idaho's Republican senator, seeking re-election after serving 18 years in the Senate and authoring the state's Roadless Rule.
Todd Achilles
Todd Achilles is an independent candidate who ran against three-term incumbent Jim Risch, criticizing his age and arguing he should retire.
The details
Risch is 83 years old and has served 18 years as a U.S. senator, during which he authored the state's Roadless Rule. Achilles, 58, positioned himself as a political outsider campaigning against Washington establishment sentiment.
Timeline
2020: Risch fell asleep during Trump's Senate impeachment trial.
2023: Risch attempted to divert Boise Airport aircraft noise via federal bill.
July 2026: Democrat David Roth dropped out of the Senate race.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Election held; early results reported Tuesday night.
Political Context
Achilles's campaign centered on Risch's age, a line of criticism tied to Risch's 2020 episode of falling asleep during Trump's Senate impeachment trial. The challenge framed the race around whether a long-serving incumbent should continue in office.
Idaho voters' choice in this race determines which candidate represents the state in the U.S. Senate. The final certified result will settle whether Risch's early lead holds.
The takeaway
The race highlights how age and tenure became central questions for Idaho voters choosing a U.S. senator. Early results favor the incumbent, but final certified totals will confirm the outcome.
Further reading
Explore more Idaho election coverage for context on the state's contests.
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