Guest opinion

By Patrick J. Wolf, PhD

To indulge in a short civics lesson, much of the U.S. Senate’s work takes place in its committees, where senators examine legislation, question administration officials, and oversee federal agencies. Committee chairmen hold substantial influence over which issues receive hearings and which proposals advance. Those decisions shape our economy and the conduct of our government.

Idaho may have a small population, but Senator Jim Risch gives our state a substantial voice in those decisions. He chairs the Foreign Relations Committee, serves as a senior Republican member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and sits on the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, which he previously chaired. His responsibilities range from conflicts overseas to the financing a local business needs to expand.

Risch has used those positions to address practical concerns for Idahoans. Several examples deserve consideration.

Foreign policy reaches into our lives through the prices we pay and the risks our service members face. In an October interview with The Spokesman-Review, Risch called for an end to the conflict with Iran, pointing to its effect on gasoline and diesel prices. He also said he had recommended ending the conflict in private discussions with administration officials. He continues to defend the initial military action and has opposed congressional war-powers resolutions, while advocating a conclusion through the administration.

I agree that bringing this conflict to a conclusion must be a priority. Higher fuel costs increase the expense of producing and transporting goods, adding pressure to household budgets. Protecting American security requires attention to the economic consequences of a prolonged conflict, and Idaho should expect its senator to bring those concerns to the administration.

Risch’s work on nuclear energy provides another connection between foreign policy and Idaho’s interests. His International Nuclear Energy Act became law in December 2025. It supports American civil nuclear exports through coordination on financing, regulatory cooperation, and relationships with countries developing nuclear power. Idaho National Laboratory gives our state a substantial role in this field, and helping American companies compete abroad creates opportunities to put that expertise to work.

American nuclear exports create lasting commercial relationships, while reliable energy production at home supports industry and economic growth. Both matter to Idaho.

His work on Energy and Natural Resources also reflects the connection between Idaho’s outdoors and its economy. As an Idahoan, I support business and economic prosperity, and I consider myself a conservationist. I want our state to grow while protecting the environment and public access to the places we enjoy. Risch publicly opposed the proposed public-land sales in June 2025. That position matters to families like mine who want those lands to remain accessible.

On the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Risch has worked to expand access to investment. He and Senator Todd Young introduced the Investing in Main Street Act, which would allow banks to invest up to 15 percent of their capital in Small Business Investment Companies. Those firms had already invested nearly $120 million in Idaho businesses since 2020, according to his office’s August 2025 announcement. Expanding access to capital can help local businesses purchase equipment and grow.

Those committee positions also deserve consideration when evaluating his challenger, Todd Achilles, who has pledged to caucus with neither party. That pledge would not automatically prevent him from receiving committee assignments. But party leaders largely negotiate those assignments before the Senate approves them, and declining to caucus could complicate his ability to secure influential positions. Voters deserve a concrete explanation of how he would advance Idaho’s priorities from outside both caucuses. Risch already holds positions that give him a substantial role in that work.

I support Senator Risch because he has used those positions to address practical Idaho concerns. When I call with a concern, he or his staff responds, ready to discuss it and help. That accessibility matters to me, alongside his legislative work.

I want my children to enjoy our public lands and have the opportunity to earn a living here. Protecting both requires attention to the land, energy, and businesses that sustain our communities. Risch’s record gives me concrete reasons to keep him doing that work.

About the author:
Patrick J. Wolf, PhD, is a technology executive, industry adviser, and Republican community leader in North Idaho, where he lives with his wife and three daughters.

This guest submission reflects the author’s views.