James Ruchti is a Democratic Idaho State Senator representing District 29 since 2022. A fifth-generation Idahoan and Pocatello native born on April 2, 1969, he is an attorney, small business owner, and former U.S. Army military intelligence officer. Married to Wendy since 1993, they have two sons, Spencer and Drew. Notable achievements include serving as President of the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association , receiving the Idaho Trial Lawyer of the Year award , sponsoring legislation to protect child sexual abuse victims and vulnerable consumers, co-chairing Fair Pocatello in 2014 to combat LGBTQ discrimination, and serving as Minority Leader in the Idaho Senate.

Education

• Bachelor's degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point .
• Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho College of Law .

Political Experience

• Idaho State Senate, District 29 ; currently Minority Leader.
• Idaho House of Representatives, District 29 ; served as Assistant Minority Leader during the 2008 recession.
• Writes op-ed columns on Idaho politics for the Post Register.