James Ruchti

James Ruchti is an American attorney and politician. A Democrat, he has served as a member of the Idaho Senate from the 29th district since 2022. He served in the Idaho House of Representatives from 2020 to 2022, having previously served from 2006 to 2010.

Early life and education
Ruchti was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy in 1993 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho College of Law in 2001.

Career
Ruchti served in the United States Army, retiring with the rank of captain. From 1993 to 1998, he was an officer with the Military Intelligence Corps. Ruchti is a personal injury attorney in Pocatello.

Political career
From 2006 to 2010, he served as a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from the 29th district. He was elected to the seat again in November 2020. He assumed office on December 1, 2020, succeeding Elaine Smith.

Ruchti has written op-ed columns on Idaho politics for the Post Register. In 2022, he chose to run for Idaho Senate instead of reelection to the House of Representatives, and endorsed Democrat Nate Roberts to succeed him. He won the November election.