James Ruchti

James is the current state senator for District 29 in Pocatello. He is a 5th generation Idahoan. He has served in the Idaho Legislature from 2006-10 and 2020-present. His policy focus is supporting public education, strengthening consumer protection laws, protecting public lands and fighting extremism. James serves in the Legislature because he wants to make Idaho a place where our children and grandchildren will start their careers and raise their families. James is a West Point graduate and a former military intelligence officer.

James and his wife, have been married since 1993. While in the service, they lived in Germany, Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, and Ft. McPherson, Georgia. In 1998, James was also deployed to Kuwait during Operation Desert Thunder. After leaving the military, James and Wendy went back to school at the University of Idaho where James obtained his law degree and Wendy earned her Ph.D. in education. Wendy has taught public school and is now a professor at the College of Education at ISU. Wendy is also a competitive CrossFit masters athlete.

James is a partner at Ruchti and Beck Law Offices in Pocatello. They represent individuals in claims against insurance companies and corporations involving personal injury, wrongful death, workers’ compensation and insurance bad faith. James and Wendy are the proud parents of two grown children, who are now college graduates themselves.

Endorsements (2024):

• ANRIPAC
• Agra-PAC
• Idaho Trial Lawyers Association
• Professional Firefighters of Idaho
• Idaho Association of Commerce & Industry (IACI)
• Idaho Business for the Outdoors