Idaho GOP Platform Responses

✓+  Strongly Agree ✓  Somewhat Agree O  Somewhat Disagree X  Strongly Disagree

Survey and Interview Responses

How long have you lived in Idaho?

I was born in Minneapolis. My family moved to Arco in 1991. I lived in Idaho until 2005, when I moved to work at a pulp mill in Washington state. I returned in 2018 to Lewiston, seeking a better place to raise my family.

How long have you been a Republican? Any prior party affiliation?

I have voted Republican my entire adult life and have never registered with another party.

Have you been involved with any political organizations (IACI, Idaho Majority Club, IFF< etc.)

No.

Have you supported candidates from another party?

No.

Why are you running for this office?

I’m troubled by the choices being presented to Idaho voters. I launched my campaign in mid-November after learning the age of our current Senator (82), and who was being opposed by just one candidate – Joe Evans, who advocates for legalizing marijuana.

Have you held elected office before?

No prior elected experience. (Neither did Donald Trump or JD Vance.)

What makes you qualified for this role?

I bring 20 years in heavy industrial manufacturing—experience I believe is badly needed in Congress as the nation rebuilds its manufacturing base. I am one of the few members of Congress who can be at home in a pulp mill, steel mill, aluminum smelter, farm, ranch, or construction site.

What are your top priorities in your first year?

Returning regulatory power to the states and reducing over-regulation created by federal agencies, who experience little congressional oversight and leave no recourse for the common man. We need to right-size federal agencies—especially the EPA—which has done significant damage to our quality of life.

How have you served your community (boards, nonprofits, etc.)?

I spent 11 years volunteering twice a month in a juvenile facility to share the hope of Christ.

Fiscal conservative

Yes. Our nation must reduce its deficit, debt, and spending.

Social conservative

Yes. I am a lifelong Christian, support traditional marriage, parental authority, parent choice in education, and oppose DEI, CRT, and woke ideology.

Share your one minute elevator speech.

I am Josh Roy, a mechanical engineer from rural Idaho with deep experience in industrial manufacturing and heavy industry, including pulp mills, paper production, and processes applicable to steel, aluminum, mining, and more. I entered this race after writing Senator Risch about skyrocketing vehicle prices and realizing he is 82 and planning to serve into his late 80s. Idahoans deserve better choices than an aging incumbent or a marijuana advocate. As a working man, I am self-funding much of my campaign and using social media effectively to change the conversation.

What is your plan to advocate for your top priorities?

My top priorities are reining in federal regulations—especially from the EPA—and fighting to reduce their hidden costs on Idaho families, farmers, contractors, and manufacturers. I will seek seats on committees dealing with the EPA and transportation to tackle these issues directly through detailed legislative work, hearings, and persistent advocacy for deregulation that restores common sense and lowers costs for everyday Idahoans

Where do you see harmful federal overreach in Idaho, and how would you return authority to states and local communities?

The most harmful federal overreach comes from the EPA, Forest Service, and BLM. Regulations have doubled the price of trucks, tractors, and heavy equipment since the 1980s through mandates like diesel exhaust fluid that make machinery unreliable and expensive. These rules drive up costs for farming, construction, logging, and rural life while restricting access to public lands for grazing, recreation, and resource use. I will push hearings, fight intrusive rules, and return decision-making to states and local communities wherever possible

What steps would you take to reduce federal spending, address debt, and restore fiscal discipline?

Federal spending is concentrated in military, debt interest, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. To restore discipline, we must drive efficiency across the economy through deregulation to lower costs for vehicles, medical care, and daily goods. Waste, fraud, and abuse must be aggressively cut, but real change requires growing the economy and reducing citizen demand for spending. Senators must show leadership by asking constituents to support difficult choices rather than expecting endless federal dollars. I will fight to shrink government and reverse inflation’s harm on working families.

What is your position on the SAVE Act and federal efforts to strengthen election integrity?

I fully support the SAVE Act and requiring photo ID to vote. Our country has changed since generations ago, and it is reasonable to ask citizens to prove identity when voting. This is a common-sense, cross-party issue. While I am cautious about eliminating the filibuster, I believe the SAVE Act deserves strong consideration, potentially even suspending the filibuster if momentum builds. Election integrity strengthens trust in our democracy.

How would you protect access to federal lands for grazing, timber, recreation, and resource use while supporting rural economies?

Federal overreach by the Forest Service and BLM restricts access for ranching, jet boating, recreation, and resource use across Idaho. These agencies have shut down vast areas traditionally used by generations of Idahoans. I will advocate for Idaho’s rural economies by pushing back against unreasonable restrictions and ensuring public lands remain accessible for responsible use while supporting local industries like farming, logging, and tourism

How do federal immigration policies impact Idaho, and what changes would you support to enforce laws and protect workers?

Illegal immigration must end. Those here illegally should be deported in the most humane and orderly way possible, and we should stop releasing people pending asylum hearings. At the same time, I support a robust guest worker program to fill labor needs, with priority always given to American citizens. Limited legal immigration for high-skill workers in fields like science and medicine also makes sense. Idaho’s young people would benefit from real work opportunities, including on dairies

Do you support term limits for members of Congress?

I strongly support term limits for the House and Senate. I have personally pledged to serve no more than three terms and then step aside, supporting a fair, open, and competitive election for my successor without pre-chosen successors. No one should hold these powerful positions into their 80s. We need citizen legislators who serve and return to private life. The Idaho House vote for a Convention of States was a clear plea from citizens for change.

What is your stance on legalization of marijuana?

I strongly oppose the legalization of marijuana. I was in western Washington when it was legalized, and the effect was dramatically destructive.

How will you stay accessible and responsive to your constituents?

I will stay close to working Idahoans by traveling the state frequently, visiting workplaces, trade shows, and communities more than once a month. I will clearly explain my votes on bills and respond directly to concerns. Unlike current leadership, I will tour major employers and engage everyday citizens where they live and work. Proactive, transparent communication is essential

What question do you wish voters were asking—but aren’t?

I wish voters would ask more about the struggles of the working man and how federal regulations and bureaucracy are crushing everyday families with higher costs for vehicles, equipment, housing, and medical care. We must address these issues head-on before socialism gains traction by offering real solutions that help people live better lives without more government dependence