I’m James Ruchti (pronounced Ruck-Tee), trial lawyer, West Point graduate, 5th generation Idahoan, and Idaho State Senator. For the third year, I am here for you to ask me anything about Idaho, myself, and what’s been happening in the Idaho legislature.
Hello r/Idaho! I'm Senator James Ruchti (Ruck-Tee) (D - Pocatello), back again for my third AMA on r/Idaho! A lot has happened since we last talked, and I’m here to share updates and answer your questions about Idaho politics and my ongoing legislative efforts.
A little refresher about me: I’m a proud 5th-generation Idahoan, a West Point graduate, and a former military intelligence officer. After my military service, I earned my law degree at the University of Idaho and now own a plaintiffs-only law practice, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation and claims against insurance companies.
Since our last AMA, I’ve continued working in the Idaho Senate to address the challenges facing our state. My focus remains on strengthening public education, protecting consumers, and pushing back against extremism in Idaho politics. In 2025, I’m serving on key standing senate committees, including Judicial and Rules, Commerce, and State Affairs. I also remain active on several important boards, including Your Health Idaho and the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board, working to ensure better healthcare access and high-speed internet connectivity for all Idahoans.
Here are some topics you might want to ask about:
- What’s happening in the Idaho Legislature in 2025?
- What is it like being the Assistant Senate Minority Leader?
- The state of Idaho’s public education system and funding challenges.
- Balancing my legal career with my work in the State Senate.
- The latest on property tax relief, Medicaid, and infrastructure investments.
- Trends in Idaho politics and how they compare to previous years.
- My position on protecting manufacturers of pesticides and other products from liability.
- My stance on hot-button issues like school vouchers, guns in schools, and election security.
- Favorite Idaho traditions, outdoor activities, and best places to eat in Pocatello.
- Lessons from my time at West Point and how they shape my leadership in the Senate.
Looking forward to your questions—let’s talk!
EDIT 1: Please try to keep your questions focused on Idaho, not national politics. I can only speculate on national politics, but I am very involved with our state politics.
EDIT 2 (10:28am): I am answering the questions on the announcement post first. I will switch to your questions when I am done. Check those out here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Idaho/comments/1ivnc75/ama_with_idaho_senator_james_ruchti_saturday_mar/
EDIT 3 (10:41am): Wow! Thank you for all your great questions. I am working through them as fast as I can, but I want to give each question the time it deserves. I'll be here until 2pm answering questions.
EDIT 4 (1:19pm): I have to get ready for a town hall at 2, but I will answer questions until then! If I don't get to your question and you would still like an answer, please email me at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
EDIT 5 (2:04pm): I’m wrapping up my last answer for the day, and I have to say—this is something I truly look forward to. Your questions are insightful, the discussion is thoughtful, and I appreciate the engagement. Idaho needs more of this.
If you take one thing from today, let it be this: stay engaged. The supermajority in our Legislature is becoming less and less representative of everyday Idahoans, but noticing that isn’t enough—we need action. Encourage your levelheaded friends, family, and neighbors—regardless of party—to vote, speak up, and even run for office. Representation matters at every level of government.
And I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t ask—our team, especially my dedicated staffer from Pocatello, is working tirelessly to make Idaho a better place for everyone. Any donation, whether it’s $5 or $10, makes a huge difference in ensuring we can keep fighting for the issues that matter (JamesforIdaho.com/donate).
Thank you, r/Idaho, for another great conversation. See you next time!