In a recent interview (April 16th) on Newstalk 107.9 with hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Josh Roy discussed his primary challenge against incumbent Senator Jim Rish. Roy, a licensed engineer with an MBA who works at a paper production facility in Lewiston, Idaho, cited his background in heavy manufacturing and concerns over the age of current congressional leadership as the primary motivations for his campaign.
Roy explained that his decision to run was sparked by a letter he wrote to Senator Rish regarding the rising cost of vehicles. Upon researching the incumbent, Roy noted that Rish would be 83 years old at the start of his next term. Roy expressed respect for Rish’s record but argued that the 82-year-old senator should be mentoring the next generation rather than seeking another term that would last until he is nearly 90. He characterized himself as a middle-class “working man” who offers a necessary perspective from the industrial sector.
A significant portion of the interview focused on Roy’s economic platform. He argued that inflation is largely driven by government bureaucracy and over-regulation. Drawing on his engineering expertise, Roy pointed to the cost of stability control systems and EPA-mandated engine technologies as factors that have doubled the price of work trucks and agricultural machinery. He asserted that Congress lacks members with “real-world” experience in steel mills, sawmills, or heavy manufacturing, which he believes is essential for addressing the country’s economic challenges.
Addressing the issue of seniority, Roy dismissed concerns that Idaho would lose influence if Senator Rish vacated his position as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He argued that leadership transitions are a natural and necessary part of a healthy representative government. On the topic of immigration, Roy stated that he supports legal processes and believes those who enter the country illegally should be deported “as expeditiously as possible.” Roy concluded by encouraging voters to seek more information on his platform through his official campaign website.
