D

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

News Stories

News • Mia Maldonado, Idaho Capital Sun • 01/25/2024

Bill’s sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Kelly Anthon, says bill protects free speech, due process in light of school board controversies during COVID-19 pandemic

Editorial • SEN. JAMES D. RUCHTI , Idaho State Journal • 01/18/2024

I am a proud graduate of Pocatello’s public schools, as is my wife and as are our two sons. I attended the same elementary school as my dad and his dad before him. For six generations, our family has looked to public education as a path to improve our quality of life and economic opportunities. We have some of the best public schools you’ll find anywhere, and a big reason I ran for the Legislature is to protect public education.

News • Laura Guido, Idaho Press • 02/12/2024

BOISE — The latest effort at regulating pornographic materials in Idaho public and school libraries will move forward.

News • Ruth Brown, Idaho Reports • 02/15/2024

After lengthy debate Thursday, the Idaho Senate killed a bill that would have granted some legal immunity to the manufacturers of pesticides in a 15-19 vote.

Editorial • Sen. James Ruchti, Idaho State Journal • 02/15/2024

Idaho has a fentanyl crisis on its hands. According to Get Healthy Idaho, in 2021, Idaho Health District 6 (which includes Bannock County) had the highest overdose rate per capita in Idaho at 26 overdose deaths/100,000 residents. This was a substantial increase from 2020, which had 16 overdose deaths/100,000 residents.

News • Andrew Baertlein, KTVB7 • 02/28/2024

The legislation passed the Senate floor by a 23-11 margin. Those in opposition argue the industry already has a code of ethics.

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