Jim Risch wins fourth term in Idaho Senate race

Idaho Sen. Jim Risch (R) has won a fourth term on Capitol Hill, Decision Desk HQ projects.

Risch, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, defeated Independent Todd Achilles to hold on to his seat.

The incumbent was first elected to the Senate in 2008 after serving as lieutenant governor and governor of the Gem State. He ascended to the governor’s mansion after then-Gov. Dirk Kempthrone (R) became Interior secretary. Instead of seeking a full term as Idaho’s chief executive he ran for lieutenant governor again before his election to Congress.

A Democrat has not won a Senate race since 1974. Risch was the favorite to win Tuesday.