Democratic Nominee David Roth Withdraws From Idaho Senate Race

David Roth, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Idaho, withdrew from the race on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Roth stated he is exiting the contest to focus his time and energy on helping other Democrats win across the state and on the broader ballot.

The withdrawal follows pressure from the Ada County Democrats. On July 8, the organization issued an ultimatum demanding that Roth produce a campaign plan and raise $50,000 by August 12 or risk losing their support. Roth had raised less than $9,000 at the time of his departure.

Roth's exit leaves Independent candidate Todd Achilles, a former state legislator and U.S. Army veteran, as the primary well-funded challenger to 83-year-old Republican incumbent Senator Jim Risch. Achilles has raised over $692,000 and has campaigned by describing Risch as the oldest and richest member of the Senate. Risch, who maintains a war chest exceeding $3.3 million, dismissed Achilles as a Democrat who merely changed his party label.

While other candidates such as Natalie Fleming and Matt Loesby remain in the race, analysts view Roth's move as a strategic effort to consolidate anti-Republican support behind an Independent in a deeply red state. Achilles characterized the race as now being one of the most competitive in the country.