David Roth is a 43-year-old realtor and community activist from Idaho Falls, Idaho. He earned recognition in 2022 as the first openly gay candidate to receive a statewide Democratic nomination in Idaho and only the second gay man ever nominated for U.S. Senate. He serves as Executive Director of the Bonneville Youth Development Council and volunteers extensively in his community. Roth has served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity of the Idaho Falls Area and the Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen and is treasurer of Community Coalitions of Idaho. He has been politically active since 2006, serving as Precinct Captain, Legislative District Vice-Chair, and Chair of the Bonneville County Democrats. In 2022, he ran unsuccessfully against U.S. Senator Mike Crapo and in 2024 challenged U.S. Representative Mike Simpson in the 2nd Congressional District. He is running for the Democratic primary in 2026 as the main Democratic challenger to incumbent Republican Senator Jim Risch.
Roth grew up in Idaho Falls and has been deeply embedded in his community for decades. He transitioned to political activism after building a career in business as a realtor. His work with youth development organizations and community coalitions reflects his focus on addressing poverty and inequality at the local level. As the first openly gay man to receive a statewide Democratic nomination in Idaho, he represents both a historic candidacy and the evolution of Idaho Democratic politics toward greater diversity and inclusion. His multiple statewide runs demonstrate commitment to public service despite long political odds in a heavily Republican state.