BREAKING: Former Idaho senator Todd Achilles has officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, challenging three-term Republican incumbent Jim Risch. Achilles believes that dissatisfaction with the current economic landscape can propel him to victory in the upcoming midterm elections.
Achilles, a 58-year-old independent from Boise, is positioning himself as a populist voice against what he calls a “rigged economy.” Speaking to the Lewiston Tribune earlier today, he stated, “The core issue that I hear again and again from folks on the right, the left or in the middle, is it’s the rigged economy, and it’s just not working.” He emphasized that around 60% of Idahoans are not earning livable wages, making his campaign’s focus on economic reform even more urgent.
The stakes are high for Idaho voters as Achilles aims to disrupt the traditional two-party system. He argues that if he and other independent candidates succeed, they could effectively control the Senate with their tie-breaking votes. According to his calculations, if Democrats gain two seats and two independents win, the Senate would consist of 49 Republicans, 47 Democrats, and four independents, thus shifting power dynamics significantly.
Achilles is challenging Risch, who is 82 years old and has been in office for over a decade. The former senator is currently touring the state to connect with voters and promote his vision for Idaho. With a background in the tech industry and previous service in the Idaho Senate, Achilles is determined to address the economic challenges faced by many residents.
He criticized large tech companies for allegedly colluding with property management firms to inflate housing costs, stating, “Rents in the Treasure Valley and Coeur d’Alene have increased three times faster than inflation.” This sentiment resonates with many Idahoans struggling with rising living costs, particularly in the rental market.
Achilles also touched on healthcare issues, claiming that some large employers intentionally keep workers just below full-time status to avoid providing health insurance. “It’s a function of ‘how do you exploit the community,’ rather than ‘how do you contribute to the community,’” he remarked, highlighting a need for comprehensive economic reform.
In addition to economic concerns, Achilles has voiced his opinions on environmental issues, praising Rep. Mike Simpson for proposing a $33.5 billion initiative aimed at saving the Snake River salmon. While he hasn’t taken a firm stance on breaching the lower Snake River dams, he acknowledges the urgent need for action to protect salmon populations.
On defense matters, Achilles criticized the recent decision to host Qatari jet fighters at the Mountain Home Air Force Base, claiming the plan lacked transparency and community engagement. He stated that Risch should have been proactive in addressing community concerns regarding this initiative.
Despite the historical preference of Idaho voters for Republican candidates, Achilles believes Risch is out of touch with the electorate. He claims that “roughly a quarter of Idaho voters don’t even know who [Risch] is, and those that do don’t really like him.”
As the election season heats up, all eyes will be on Achilles as he campaigns to represent Idaho in the Senate. With his focus on economic reform and community engagement, he hopes to rally support from disenchanted voters across the political spectrum.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Idaho Senate race unfolds.
