A self-identified middle-class family man from Lewiston, Josh Roy is making waves in Idaho’s Republican primary for the U.S. Senate. The 44-year-old mechanical engineer is challenging incumbent Jim Risch, who seeks a fourth term, alongside two other candidates. With a campaign focused on family values, term limits, and deregulation, Roy aims to capture the attention of voters disillusioned by established political figures.
Roy’s journey into politics began last fall when he wrote a letter to Risch regarding vehicle safety regulations. He was surprised to discover that the 82-year-old senator planned to run for re-election rather than passing the leadership to a new generation. “In my opinion, there should be a couple of candidates in the race. And none of them should be named Jim Risch,” Roy stated. He believes it is time for younger leaders to take the helm.
The candidate, who has four children and works at Clearwater Paper, is driven by a desire to represent ordinary citizens. “I’m a mill worker. I am not rich. My house is kind of a mess. I don’t mow my lawn as often as I should,” he admitted. Despite his limited campaign resources, Roy is determined to connect with voters on weekends, expressing optimism about his chances despite lacking name recognition and political backing.
Roy’s commitment to limiting congressional terms is a core component of his platform. He pledges to serve no more than three terms if elected, emphasizing that “Congress isn’t a golden parachute job position.” He has spoken to numerous constituents who share his concern about the aging Congress, noting that many voters feel unsettled by the current leadership’s longevity.
In terms of policy, Roy highlights the need to revitalize the U.S. industrial base, which he believes has suffered due to heavy regulations and outsourcing. He argues that reducing bureaucratic constraints could stimulate growth in manufacturing and homebuilding. “We have to deregulate manufacturing and building trades so that a carpenter can say, ‘I can build here,’ without excessive hurdles,” he explained.
On social issues, Roy identifies as socially conservative and advocates for increased oversight of social media companies, particularly regarding their influence on children. He opposes teaching critical race theory and other content he deems inappropriate in schools, stating that these ideologies undermine the cognitive development of young people.
Risch, in contrast, is campaigning on his efforts to protect federal public lands, including his successful initiative last summer to prevent the auctioning of approximately 3 million acres. While Roy agrees with Risch on the importance of safeguarding public land, he proposes a different approach. He supports transferring small parcels of land to the state for community development but insists that such sales must prioritize the needs of Idaho residents over wealthy buyers.
As the primary approaches in March 2024, Roy’s grassroots campaign will test the waters against established political powers in Idaho. For more information about his campaign, visit joshroyforidaho.com.
