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.
Strong support for Medicare for All
Believes healthcare is a human right and criticizes Senator Risch for not voting to protect healthcare for veterans and ignoring needs for affordable prescription drugs. Advocates for systemic reform through Medicare for All.
Voting History: Ran on healthcare platform in 2022 against Crapo and 2024 against Simpson; first-time federal candidate
Strong defender of LGBTQ+ rights, abortion rights, and voting rights
As the first openly gay statewide Democratic nominee in Idaho history, Roth champions rights for LGBTQ+ individuals. Opposes restrictions on abortion access and voting rights.
Voting History: No voting record in elected office; community advocate for civil rights
Advocate for working families and middle-class concerns
Sees economic inequality as the central problem. Advocates raising wages, making housing affordable, ensuring healthcare access. Believes current Senator has lost touch with everyday Idahoans' struggles.
Voting History: Community work focused on youth development and poverty reduction
Belief that Senator Risch has lost touch with Idaho voters
Criticizes Risch for rarely responding to constituents' concerns in meaningful ways and voting against Idahoans' interests on healthcare, prescription drugs, and infrastructure.
Voting History: Ran competitive campaigns in 2022 (Senate) and 2024 (House) despite difficult political environment
Roth has no voting record in elected office. He is running for federal office for the second time (previously ran for Senate in 2022 and House in 2024). His positions are informed by his extensive community work with the Bonneville Youth Development Council, community coalitions, and service organizations.
Roth's campaign messaging emphasizes helping families with bread-and-butter economic concerns while also highlighting civil rights issues. Tone is forward-looking and hopeful about what's possible with Democratic leadership.
A Democratic candidate could hurt Achilles' independent bid by splitting the anti-Republican vote
Achilles needs Democratic leadership to encourage Roth to withdraw so the party doesn't split the anti-Risch vote, but Democratic leaders have not made such a move