Vice President JD Vance sent a fundraising letter to Idaho residents on Thursday afternoon, warning that Democratic operatives are prepared to spend millions of dollars to defeat Sen. Jim Risch in the upcoming general election. The appeal urges supporters to contribute to Risch’s reelection campaign ahead of the Nov. 3 vote against independent candidate Todd Achilles.
Federal Funds and National Strategy
In the letter, timestamped at 3:29 p.m., Vance emphasized the national stakes of the Idaho Senate race. He noted that Idaho has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1974, framing the state as a key target for opponents of the current administration.
“They know that if they can flip Idaho – a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1974 – they can strike a major blow against President Trump’s agenda,” Vance said in the letter.
Vance highlighted Risch’s position as chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and pointed to recent elections in Montana and Nebraska as cautionary tales for Republican incumbents facing well-funded independent or Democratic challenges. In 2024, Nebraska candidate Dan Osborn, backed by Democratic super PACs, came within approximately seven points of defeating Sen. Deb Fischer.
Campaign Finance and Fundraising
The fundraising appeal requested donations at various tiers, including $3,500, $2,000, $1,000, $500, $250, and $100. According to the most recent Federal Election Commission data available as of June 30, Risch’s campaign has collected more than $3.3 million for the 2025-2026 cycle.
Todd Achilles, who previously served as a Democratic state legislator before running as an independent, has raised nearly $700,000 and spent about $500,000 through the same reporting period. The next FEC reports are due on Oct. 15, with updated fundraising figures for federal candidates expected to be available by Oct. 16.
Campaign Responses
Todd Achilles’ campaign acknowledged receipt of Vance’s letter. Crispin Gravatt, communications director for the Achilles campaign, characterized the Vice President’s involvement as evidence that Risch is facing significant pressure.
“This is proof to us and all Idahoans that Jim Risch knows he’s in trouble and the race is competitive,” Gravatt wrote in an email on Wednesday.
Gravatt also criticized Risch’s engagement with constituents, stating that the senator has not held a town hall during his 18 years in the Senate and refuses to debate issues. Conversely, Marc Kilmer, campaign manager for Jim Risch, stated that senior officials sending fundraising appeals is common practice in federal elections.
Vance’s office could not immediately be reached for further comment regarding the strategy behind the Idaho appeal.