James Ruchti
2022 - Present
2024
1
James Ruchti (Democratic Party) is a member of the Idaho State Senate, representing District 29. He assumed office on December 1, 2022. His current term ends on December 1, 2024.
Ruchti (Democratic Party) is running for re-election to the Idaho State Senate to represent District 29. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024. He advanced from the Democratic primary on May 21, 2024.
Ruchti completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
James Ruchti was born in Pocatello, Idaho. Ruchti served in the U.S. Army from 1993 to 1998 and reached the rank of captain. He graduated from Pocatello High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1993 and a J.D. from the University of Idaho College of Law in 2001. Ruchti's career experience includes working as a partner at Ruchti & Beck Law Offices and a military intelligence officer with the U.S. Army.[1][2][3][4]
Committee assignments
2021-2022
Ruchti was assigned to the following committees:
- House Agricultural Affairs Committee
- Judiciary, Rules, and Administration Committee
- Revenue and Taxation Committee
2009-2010
Ruchti served on these committees:
Sponsored legislation
The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.
Elections
2024
See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2024
General election
General election for Idaho State Senate District 29
Incumbent James Ruchti is running in the general election for Idaho State Senate District 29 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | ||
 | James Ruchti (D)  | |
| ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Idaho State Senate District 29
Incumbent James Ruchti advanced from the Democratic primary for Idaho State Senate District 29 on May 21, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | James Ruchti | 100.0 | 1,155 |
| Total votes: 1,155 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
2022
See also: Idaho State Senate elections, 2022
General election
General election for Idaho State Senate District 29
James Ruchti defeated David Worley in the general election for Idaho State Senate District 29 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | James Ruchti (D) | 54.1 | 7,863 |
 | David Worley (R) | 45.9 | 6,678 | |
| Total votes: 14,541 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Idaho State Senate District 29
James Ruchti advanced from the Democratic primary for Idaho State Senate District 29 on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | James Ruchti | 100.0 | 1,377 |
| Total votes: 1,377 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Idaho State Senate District 29
David Worley advanced from the Republican primary for Idaho State Senate District 29 on May 17, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | David Worley | 100.0 | 3,903 |
| Total votes: 3,903 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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2020
See also: Idaho House of Representatives elections, 2020
General election
General election for Idaho House of Representatives District 29B
James Ruchti won election in the general election for Idaho House of Representatives District 29B on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | James Ruchti (D) | 100.0 | 14,679 |
| Total votes: 14,679 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Idaho House of Representatives District 29B
James Ruchti advanced from the Democratic primary for Idaho House of Representatives District 29B on June 2, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | James Ruchti | 100.0 | 2,501 |
| Total votes: 2,501 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
To view Ruchti's endorsements in the 2020 election, please click here.
2010
Ruchti did not run for re-election in 2010.
2008
On November 4, 2008, Democrat James Ruchti won re-election to the Idaho House of Representatives District 29B receiving 54.4% of the vote (10,520 votes), ahead of Republican James Dorman who received 45.6% of the vote (8,823 votes).[5]
| Idaho House of Representatives, District 29B (2008) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
 James Ruchti (D)
|
10,520 | 54.4% | ||
| James Dorman (R) | 8,823 | 45.6% | ||
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
James Ruchti completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ruchti's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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My name is James Ruchti. I am the state senator for District 29 in Idaho. I am a trial lawyer, a former military intelligence officer and a West Point graduate. I am also a 5th generation Idahoan. My legislative work is based on my values. I want to make sure we create an Idaho for the future where our children and grandchildren will want, and be able, to start their careers and their families here. I am committed to high quality public education, protecting consumers from unscrupulous behavior in the marketplace, supporting our first responders, and fostering an economy that provides opportunity to every citizen. Through thoughtful legislation and active community engagement, I strive to ensure that our laws reflect the values and needs of the people I represent.
- First Key Message: Commitment to Education I believe in the power of public education to transform lives and communities. My focus is on ensuring that every child in Idaho has access to a high-quality education, which is essential for a bright future and a strong economy.
- Second Key Message: Hard Work, Fairness and Economic Growth My vision includes an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy. I advocate for fair wages, affordable housing, and policies that support small businesses and rural communities, aiming to create a balanced and sustainable economic environment. In Idaho, hard work should pay off, no matter who you are or where you live or what you do for a living.
- Third Key Message: Healthcare Access and Autonomy I am dedicated to making healthcare accessible and affordable for all Idahoans. This includes supporting medical freedom and ensuring that individuals have the right to make personal health decisions without undue government interference.
Public Education: I am committed to fighting for proper funding and resources for public schools, knowing that education is a fundamental foundation for a bright economic future.
Economic Development: Economic development doesn’t just happen by accident. We need to find ways to reward entrepreneurship and innovation. We need to promote efforts to train workers for the new economy and to meet the needs of Idaho’s industries. We also need to constantly reassess our infrastructure needs to ensure we are meeting those needs before they become a crisis.
Healthcare and Public Safety: Ensuring that all Idahoans have access to affordable healthcare and that our communities are safe is paramount.
My dad. He had some strikes against him growing up, but he never let that get in his way. He was a first generation college attendee, a great member of our community and just a good human being.
Integrity, transparency, and a deep commitment to the community are essential. An effective leader listens, empathizes, and acts with both courage and prudence to represent the diverse interests of their constituents.
I look out for the underdog. Government works for the connected and the privileged. It is the unconnected and the unprivileged that need representation in the legislature.
My primary role is to legislate effectively, representing the interests and well-being of all Idahoans, and especially my constituents. This involves crafting and supporting legislation that enhances our economic, educational, and social environments while protecting the freedoms and rights intrinsic to our way of life.
I would like to be remembered as someone who fought for those who needed a voice and as a strong advocate for public education.
I remember celebrating the bicentennial in 1976. I would have been 7 years old.
My brother and I used to shovel snow in the winter and mow lawns in the summer.
Balancing the demands of public service with my law practice and family time is a constant struggle.
It should be collaborative, yet independent. While both branches should work towards the common good of Idahoans, a healthy tension allows for checks and balances that ensure diverse viewpoints lead to comprehensive solutions.
Over the next decade, addressing public education funding, managing population growth effectively, and ensuring sustainable economic development are critical challenges we must face head on.
No. We have 105 legislators in Idaho. Some of them will have previous experience in government or politics. Others will be small business owners, educators, farmers, lawyers and the list goes on and on. These combined diverse backgrounds make our part-time legislature capable of solving Idaho’s challenges.
Absolutely. Building strong bipartisan relationships helps create a collaborative environment necessary for effective governance and finding common ground on complex issues.
I admire those like former U.S. Senator Frank Church and former Governor Cecil Andrus, who exemplified dedication to civil liberties and environmental protection – values I hold dear.
My focus remains on serving the people of Idaho as a state senator. The future will depend on where I believe I can make the most significant impact.
I heard recently that Idaho State University (in my community) had 90 students withdraw their applications to attend because – even though they found a way to pay for tuition and fees – they could not afford housing in my community. That tells me housing scarcity is a challenge, especially for young people trying to get started in life.
The legislature should have a limited role in granting or overseeing emergency powers. Deliberative bodies like the legislature are not good at managing emergencies, so giving them too much power in this arena is not a good idea.
I would answer this a little differently. My most important priority is to stop any voucher proposal. Vouchers divert money from our public education system and send that money to private, religious and home schools without accountability for how the money is spent.
Idaho AFL-CIO, Professional Fire Fighters of Idaho, Idaho Prosperity Fund, Idaho Education Association, Conservation Voters for Idaho, Idaho Trial Lawyers Association PAC, Idaho Farm Bureau Agra-PAC, ANRIPAC, Idaho Dairy Industry PAC.
I am particularly interested in committees that focus on public education, consumer protection and the civil justice system.
These are non-negotiable pillars of good governance. I advocate for clear, accessible reporting of government activities and spending to ensure that public officials are accountable to the people they serve. Taxpayer money should be used with accountability.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2022
James Ruchti did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
2020
James Ruchti completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Ruchti's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I am a 5th generation Idahoan, West Point graduate, former Army military intelligence officer, small business owner and a litigation attorney. I was born and raised in Pocatello. My wife, Wendy, and I raised our two boys here. I served in the Idaho House from 2006-10. My proudest legislative accomplishments were getting my bills passed extending the civil statute of limitations in child sexual abuse cases and adding additional protections to the Idaho Consumer Protection Act to protect the elderly and disabled. After deciding against a third term, a law school friend of mine and I opened Ruchti & Beck Law Offices - a plaintiffs firm that serves clients all over southeast and east Idaho. With the firm in great shape and our boys graduated from college, Wendy and I decided it was a good time for me to serve our community again.
- I am focused on solutions and not party politics.
- I will keep my constituents informed and seek their input as I decide how to best serve my constituents.
- I work hard for those I represent, and I do it with integrity. I'll make you proud I represent you.
Education is the foundation for helping Idahoans live their best lives. Education provides the pathway to good jobs with living wages. From innovation to industry to small businesses, it drives the engine of our economy. It also increases our understanding of the world around us, makes us more tolerant of others and helps us be better citizens in our constitutional democracy. Every generation has one shot at getting a high quality education in Idaho. We owe it to them to get it right.
Small businesses need our support. I know the struggles of making clients happy, ensuring cash flow, paying overhead, finding quality employees, and knowing when to take risks and when to play it safe. I will work to support small businesses.
One of the best things about living in Idaho is the outdoor recreational opportunities. We have unrivaled landscapes, rivers, lakes, mountains and hiking trails. It just doesn't get better than Idaho's outdoors. I will work to keep those opportunities available to all of us.
I work hard. I am committed to serving with integrity. I value getting things done over partisan politics.
The core responsibilities for someone elected to the Idaho Legislature is to make government work well for Idahoans. That means focusing less on partisan politics and more on plain and simple good government.
I want to be known as somebody who treats everyone with respect.
The Idaho House tends to be more rough and tumble. The Idaho Senate tends to be more deliberative and have less turmoil. This is a cultural difference, but also driven by the fact that the Idaho House has half the members of the Idaho Senate.
I don't think it matters. The strength of the body is that it has people in it from all kinds of backgrounds, ages, professions, etc. My concern is that the hyper-partisan nature of politics is selecting legislators who think about what their own party wants first, and then considers what is best for their constituents. The latter often gets buried in considering the former. This does not produce good government, it does not serve constituents well, and it is bad for democracy.
I am concerned about extremism and the effect it is having on elected officials and public policy.
The Governor should execute the public policy established by the Legislature. The Legislature should keep the Executive Branch in check and, where needed, the Governor should do the same to the Legislature. There should be tension in that relationship if it is working correctly.
Building relationships with other legislators is critical to doing the job. Those relationships - knowing about each others' families, careers, philosophies, hobbies and passions - are the foundation for getting work done in the Legislature. While that art does not seem to be practiced as much as it used to be in the Idaho Legislature, all legislators should take the time to get to know their colleagues.
I favor a citizen commission of at least 6, evenly divided between people selected by Republicans and Democrats. A tie-braking vote only should be provided to the chairperson of the committee. The chairperson should be a senior-status judge appointed by the Idaho Supreme Court.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2008
In 2008, Ruchti raised $55,102.
Listed below are those who contributed the most to his campaign.[6]
| Donor | Amount |
|---|---|
| Idaho Education Association | $2,000 |
| Idaho Power Co. | $2,000 |
| Professional Fire Fighters of Idaho | $1,500 |
| Idaho Association of Realtors | $1,250 |
| Qwest Communications | $1,250 |
| Angela R. Sellman | $1,100 |
| Kenneth L. Pedersen | $1,000 |
| Communications Workers of America Local 7621 | $1,000 |
| Idaho Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA Pac) | $1,000 |
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Idaho scorecards, email suggestions to [email protected].
2023
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show]. |
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In 2023, the Idaho State Legislature was in session from January 9 to April 6.
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2022
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show]. |
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In 2022, the Idaho State Legislature was in session from January 10 to March 31.
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2021
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show]. |
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In 2021, the Idaho State Legislature was in session from January 11 to November 17.
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Noteworthy events
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| Coronavirus pandemic |
| Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.
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On March 18, 2021, Ruchti tested positive for coronavirus.[7]
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
James is married to Wendy Ruchti. They have two children and reside in Pocatello, Idaho.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Idaho State Senate District 29 |
Officeholder Idaho State Senate District 29 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 22, 2024
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 18, 2020
- ↑ Ruchti & Beck, PLLC - Personal Injury Law, "James D. Ruchti," accessed January 5, 2021
- ↑ LinkedIn, "James Ruchti," accessed January 18, 2023
- ↑ Idaho Secretary of State, "Official 2008 General election results," accessed April 16, 2014
- ↑ 2008 contributors to James Ruchti
- ↑ The Idaho Press, "Four new Statehouse COVID-19 infections reported," March 18, 2021
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Eva Nye (D) |
Idaho State Senate District 29 2022-Present |
Succeeded by - |
| Preceded by Elaine Smith (D) |
Idaho House of Representatives District 29B 2020-2022 |
Succeeded by Nate Roberts (D) |
| Preceded by - |
Idaho House of Representatives District 29B 2006 |
Succeeded by - |
