A new contender has emerged in Idaho’s upcoming Republican primary for the U.S. Senate. Josh Roy, a 44-year-old mill worker from Lewiston, is challenging incumbent Jim Risch, who seeks a fourth term. This primary, scheduled for **March 2024**, also includes two other candidates vying for the GOP nomination.
Roy identifies himself as a middle-class family man, running on a platform that emphasizes family values, term limits, deregulation, and the revitalization of America’s industrial base. He believes that despite his relatively low profile and limited campaign resources, he can resonate with voters tired of career politicians. “I’m a mill worker. I am not rich. I have four kids,” Roy stated in an interview with the Lewiston Tribune. He adds, “I started researching campaign finance law and campaign tactics and I finally concluded you could do this. It can be done.”
The catalyst for Roy’s decision to enter the race was Risch’s announcement to run again at the age of 82. Roy expressed his disappointment, suggesting that it is time for new leadership. “My opinion is there should be a couple candidates in the race. And none of them should be named Jim Risch,” he said, advocating for mentorship rather than continuation of long-standing political careers.
Roy is a mechanical engineer at Clearwater Paper, and he believes his background in managing pulp and paper mills equips him to address industrial policy effectively. He argues that many American industries, including steel and semiconductor manufacturing, have moved overseas, and he sees excessive federal regulations as a barrier to growth. “The main thing we have to do is we have to deregulate manufacturing and building,” he asserts, emphasizing the need for a streamlined process that allows builders to operate without unnecessary hurdles.
In addition to economic issues, Roy holds socially conservative views and seeks to increase oversight of social media companies, especially regarding their impact on children. He stated, “Social media has dug into an area of human psychology… to the point where the average person’s cognitive function is crumbling under the load.” His campaign opposes critical race theory and gender ideology in schools, describing them as inappropriate.
Risch’s campaign has also focused on issues relevant to public land management. He notably worked to block legislation that would have auctioned off up to 3 million acres of federal land. Roy shares concerns about selling public land to wealthy individuals and corporations but supports the idea of transferring smaller parcels to the state for community growth, provided that these lands benefit long-standing Idaho residents.
Roy’s commitment to term limits is clear; he pledges to serve no more than three terms if elected. “Congress isn’t a golden parachute job position,” he stated. He believes this sentiment resonates with many voters who are frustrated by the age of Congress and the lack of fresh perspectives.
As the primary approaches, Roy’s grassroots campaign continues to gather momentum, fueled by his relatable background and a vision for a more responsive government. For more information about his campaign, interested individuals can visit his website at joshroyforidaho.com.
