James E. Risch is known for "pragmatic decision-making" and is what his peers call a "no-nonsense, get-the-job-done leader." These traits will serve the state well with Jim as Idaho's next US Senator.

Governor Risch received a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from the University of Idaho and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Idaho, College of Law. He served on Law Review and the College of Law Advisory Committee at the University of Idaho and has taught criminal law at Boise State University. He is a small business owner, a rancher/farmer and senior partner in the Risch Goss Insinger Gustavel Law firm.

Governor Risch and his wife Vicki Risch, the former First Lady of Idaho, have been married for 39 years. They have 3 sons, 2 daughters-in-law and 6 grandchildren. Their commitment to Idaho and their work together earned them the distinction of being selected as Idaho's Healthy Marriage Ambassadors. They live on a ranch outside of Boise.