Patrick Wolf Endorses Jim Risch, Citing Idaho Senator’s Committee Work

IDAHO — Post Falls business and civic leader Patrick J. Wolf, PhD, has endorsed U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, pointing to the Idaho Republican’s work on nuclear energy, small-business investment, public lands and foreign policy.

In a guest column for Idaho News, Wolf argues that Risch’s senior committee positions give Idaho a substantial voice in federal decisions affecting the state’s economy and communities.

“I support Senator Risch because he has used those positions to address practical Idaho concerns,” Wolf writes.

Wolf points to Risch’s International Nuclear Energy Act, which became law in December 2025, and his support for legislation intended to expand investment in small businesses. He also cites Risch’s opposition to a proposed sale of federal public lands in 2025.

“As an Idahoan, I support business and economic prosperity, and I consider myself a conservationist,” Wolf writes. “I want our state to grow while protecting the environment and public access to the places we enjoy.”

The column also addresses Risch’s position on the conflict with Iran. Risch has defended the initial U.S. military action while calling for the conflict to end, citing its effect on fuel prices, as reported by The Spokesman-Review in an article republished by East Idaho News.

Wolf contrasts Risch’s committee positions with the pledge by independent Senate candidate Todd Achilles not to caucus with either major party if elected. Achilles has argued that an independent senator could be effective in a closely divided Senate, including in an October 28 interview with Boise State Public Radio.

Wolf concludes that Risch’s record gives him “concrete reasons to keep him doing that work.”

Read the full guest column on Idaho News: Senator Jim Risch’s Work Matters to Idaho.