STORY AND BY KAREN BOSSICK

Todd Achilles, who wants to represent Idaho in the U.S. Senate, will take part in four events to meet with Wood River Valley residents on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 12-13.

Achilles is who is running for Jim Risch’s seat as an Independent. His schedule:

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 12

4:30 to 6:30 p.m.--Harker Center, 1 Harker Lane in Sun Valley.

Achilles will offer a few remarks followed by a Q&A around 5 p.m. Snacks and beverages will be available and extra parking will be available on Morning Star Road.

6:30 p.m.—Ketchum Town Square

Achilles will set up during Ketchum’s Music Series, ready to listen to what’s on people’s minds.

THURSDAY, Aug. 13

9-11 a.m.—Black Owl Coffee, 208 N. River St., Hailey

Achilles will buy the coffee and tea for those who attend this Come Ask Me Anything event.

2-4 p.m. –La Cabanita, 101 S. Main St., Bellevue

Achilles will hold a Meet & Greet

6:30-9:30 p.m. Hailey Rocks in Hoop Porter Park, Hailey

Achilles supporters will fan out across the park, meeting locals.

Achilles served as a tank commander with the U.S. Army, during which time he deployed twice to the Persian Gulf. He served as a member of the 16B district of the Idaho House of Representatives in 2024-25, appointed by Gov. Brad Little to replace a resigning representative. Achilles himself resigned in July 2025 to run for U.S. Senate.

A professor of public policy at Boise State University, he contends that the U.S. military is a model for nonpartisan leadership and he supports term limits, saying he’ll serve no more than two terms in the U.S. Senate if elected.

He has criticized congressional cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). A former Republican, he has criticized Republicans in Congress for supporting the 2026 Iran War. He also has criticized DOGE for the mass layoff which, he says, have hampered fighting the 2026 wildland fires.

Want to know more? Visit www.achillesforidaho.com.