Josh Keyser

Josh Keyser: Idaho Republican Senator, District 20

Josh Keyser is a Republican member of the Idaho State Senate representing District 20, which covers Meridian in Ada County. Keyser assumed office on December 1, 2024, and is seeking re-election in the May 19, 2026, Republican primary against challengers Richard Marsh and Russell Spencer.

Background

Keyser grew up outside of Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley and served in the United States Marine Corps before moving to Idaho. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in business from Vanguard University, a private Christian university in Costa Mesa, California. He relocated to the Treasure Valley from California in 2018. His career history includes work as a financial auditor, a Boise police officer, and as vice principal of the Vineyard Christian Academy. He is a duly sworn member and citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He is married to Michelle Keyser and they have three children.

Political Career

Keyser won the 2024 Republican primary for Idaho Senate District 20 by defeating Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Winder, the highest-ranking member of the Idaho Senate, by 282 votes. The Idaho Capital Sun described the upset as one of the most significant results of the 2024 primary cycle. Keyser then defeated Democrat Andy Arriaga in the November 2024 general election, earning 18,971 votes to Arriaga's 8,281. In his first legislative session, Keyser served on the Senate Transportation Committee as Vice Chair, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee, and the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee. In March 2025, Keyser co-sponsored two bills prohibiting homeless encampments from being placed on public property such as sidewalks. He also co-sponsored House Bill 199, which lowered the income cap for refugees in Idaho to qualify for federal medical aid.

Policy Positions

On healthcare, Keyser states that health decisions are a private matter and that families must be free from government overreach. On taxes and spending, he commits to responsible spending and keeping taxes low. On education, he draws on his background as a former school administrator to express support for parental choice. He also lists strong funding for first responders, preservation of public lands, and greater Idaho sovereignty from federal authority as priorities.

Political Alignment

Keyser is aligned with the Conservative Activist tier of Idaho Republican politics. Idaho Freedom PAC endorsed Keyser in his 2024 primary race against Winder. The Citizens Alliance of Idaho PAC also listed Keyser among its supported candidates.

Campaign and Endorsements

Keyser is seeking re-election in the May 19, 2026, Republican primary against challengers Richard Marsh and Russell Spencer. He signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge.