James E. Risch

In the 2020 Senate race for ID Senate seat, James E. Risch (R) won with 62.6% of the vote, defeating Paulette E. Jordan (D) who received 33.3%. 2 additional candidates split the remaining vote. James E. Risch's 29.4-point advantage over the runner-up confirmed a comfortable win.

This was an open-seat race with no incumbent running — Mike Crapo (R) previously held the seat. Open seats typically attract stronger candidates and heavier spending from both parties. The 2020 presidential election drove higher voter turnout, which can help or hurt down-ballot candidates depending on the top of the ticket. The wide margin suggests this district is firmly in the Republican column for the foreseeable future.

In the 2014 Senate race for ID Senate seat, James E. Risch (R) defeated Nels Mitchell (D) 65.3% to 34.7%. James E. Risch received 285,596 votes compared to 151,574 for Nels Mitchell, a dominant 30.7-point margin reflecting a safely partisan district.

This was an open-seat race. Open seats typically attract stronger candidates and heavier spending from both parties. As a Republican, James E. Risch benefited from the historical midterm penalty against the president's party — with a Democrat in the White House, the opposition typically gains seats.