Richard Marsh

Richard Marsh: Idaho Republican Challenger for Senate District 20

Richard Marsh is a Republican challenger running for the Idaho State Senate in District 20, which covers a portion of Meridian in Ada County. Marsh faces incumbent Republican Josh Keyser and fellow challenger Russell Spencer in the May 19, 2026 Republican primary. Democrat Pamela Wilson is running in the Democratic primary. The general election is November 3, 2026.

Background

Marsh was born in Twin Falls, Idaho. He dedicated nearly 40 years to federal service, including 22 years in the U.S. Air Force where he rose to the ranks of Master Sergeant and First Sergeant, and 16 years as a career U.S. diplomat with the Department of State, as described on his campaign website. He earned an associate's degree in human resources management from the Community College of the Air Force. He retired in 2020 and has since lived in Meridian with his wife Tracie. He attends Parkview Christian Church in Meridian.

Political Career

Marsh has not previously held elected office. This is his first campaign for public office.

Policy Positions

Marsh's publicly stated priorities, drawn from his campaign website and BallotReady candidate profile, center on fiscal conservatism, government accountability, and public safety. He has called for restoring funding to the Idaho Crimes Against Children Task Force, which he says was cut in the 2026 session. He supports greater transparency in how education dollars are spent, ensuring funds reach classrooms rather than administrative overhead. He has emphasized term limits, opposition to dark money in elections, and limiting the size and reach of government. He has signed the U.S. Term Limits congressional pledge, as reported by U.S. Term Limits. He describes himself as a lifelong Republican committed to protecting life and exercising fiscal discipline with taxpayer dollars.

Political Alignment

Insufficient public information is available to assign Marsh a firm classification. His stated positions reflect traditional fiscal and social conservatism without documented ties to activist organizations.

Campaign and Endorsements

Marsh faces incumbent Josh Keyser and Russell Spencer in the May 19, 2026 Republican primary. No formal endorsements had been publicly reported at the time of publication. Campaign finance disclosures are available through the Idaho Sunshine campaign finance portal. The general election is November 3, 2026.