Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate drops out; Risch and Achilles set to face-off
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BOISE — The Democratic nominee from Idaho running for U.S. Senate has decided to end his campaign.
On Tuesday evening, Democrat David Roth posted a news release to his Facebook page announcing that he was ending his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican Sen. Jim Risch. In his post, Roth thanked the people who supported his candidacy.
“After much consideration and many conversations with my family and my supporters, I have made the difficult decision to exit this race and focus where I think I can have a larger impact. Thank you to all of my strong supporters, donors, and volunteers. I appreciate you all so much,” Roth said in the text of his post.
In the November election, Risch will have to fend off a challenge from Todd Achilles, an independent candidate running for the seat Risch has held for 17 years. Previously, Achilles was appointed by Gov. Brad Little to serve in the Idaho legislature as a Democrat representing District 16B. He later changed his party affiliation and resigned from the Idaho legislature to run against Risch as an independent.
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In his statement, Roth explains his decision to enter the race.
“I entered this race because I believe deeply in what Democrats are fighting for across Idaho. A full week of work should be enough to pay the bills. Every family deserves affordable healthcare. Government should protect our freedoms, not dictate what books we can read, who we can love, or how we live our lives,” Roth says.
Roth says he feels he can make a greater impact outside the race.
“I have concluded that I can make the greatest difference by focusing my time and energy on helping Democrats win up and down the ballot and in communities across Idaho,” Roth says.
Roth also expresses pride in what he’s accomplished in his candidacy.
“I am also proud of the history we made. Being the first openly gay man to ever receive a federal nomination in Idaho is something I will always carry with me. I hope this campaign showed LGBTQ+ Idahoans, especially young people, that they belong in our politics, their voices matter and no office should ever feel beyond their reach,” Roth says.
It’s currently unknown whether Roth will endorse either of the remaining candidates.
Neither Risch nor Achilles has issued statements yet regarding Roth’s withdrawal.