Why It Matters
Idaho voters will decide in November who represents them in the U.S. Senate for the next six years. Independent candidate Todd Achilles is pressing for public debates to give voters a direct comparison of candidates before they cast ballots.
Senator Jim Risch secured his Republican primary on May 19 with roughly 67 percent of the vote. He now faces a general election field that includes Achilles, independent Natalie Fleming, Democrat David Roth, and Libertarian Matt Loesby.
What Happened
Achilles announced Wednesday that he is calling on Risch to participate in three statewide debates scheduled for August, September, and October. In a press release, Achilles congratulated Risch on his primary win and proposed the debate series.
Achilles argued that Idaho voters deserve to see candidates answer tough questions and defend their records in a public forum. He said voters have been denied that opportunity in recent election cycles.
Risch’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the debate proposal.
By The Numbers
Risch won his May 19 primary with nearly 67 percent of the vote against three Republican challengers. He will face four opponents in the November 3 general election. Achilles is proposing three debates over a three-month span leading up to Election Day.
Zoom Out
Risch’s participation in public debates has varied across his political career. He joined the Idaho Public Television debate in 2020 alongside Democrat Paulette Jordan and independent Natalie Fleming, held over Zoom. In 2014, he participated in one televised debate with Democratic challenger Nels Mitchell on KTVB.
In 2006, Risch declined to participate in a live public television debate for lieutenant governor, requesting instead to appear separately from his opponent Larry LaRocco. He cited concerns about disruptive behavior. In 2008, he skipped the public TV debate for the Republican primary but appeared in a taped KTVB debate.
What’s Next
The Risch campaign has not yet responded to the debate proposal. Achilles and the other general election candidates will spend the summer and fall making their case to Idaho voters ahead of the November general election.
About the Author
