Risch's new chief of staff has local roots

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Jim Risch announced Ryan White as his new chief of staff Tuesday. White has served as deputy chief of staff under John Insinger since 2019.

Insinger, who led the office through an impeachment trial, the pandemic, and Risch’s successful re-election, will continue to serve the office in a senior role as Idaho chief of staff.

“I asked John to run my office through the election because I knew he had the skills and expertise to lead an effective, constituent service-focused organization. Not only did he do an exceptional job, he did so during one of the most challenging times in recent history,” Risch said. “John and Ryan have worked closely together during that time and are a terrific team. John will continue to work closely with Ryan and office staff while providing me with his counsel.”

White has served Risch in a variety of senior capacities over the past 20 years, including during Risch's time as Idaho governor, lieutenant governor, in the U.S. Senate, and managing his 2008 Senate campaign.

Immediately before returning to the Risch office in 2019, White worked for 10 years in the intelligence community.

“I’ve worked with Ryan for over 20 years and he has my full faith and confidence," Risch said. "He knows how to effectively navigate Capitol Hill, understands public policy, and knows Idaho and its people from his deep roots and experience in the state."

White’s family lineage includes a number of Idahoans involved in politics, including two Idaho 1st District Congressional representatives; his grandfather, Compton I White, Jr., and great-grandfather, Compton I White, Sr., both served in the U.S. House from Clark Fork.

His grandmother, the late June Judd of St. Maries, served five terms in the Idaho State Legislature.

A native of Wallace and Post Falls, White is the son of Michael and Debbie White of Coeur d’Alene and Elaine and Duane Harris of Liberty Lake.

White graduated from the University of Idaho, has a master’s degree from George Mason University, and is the fourth consecutive generation of his family to serve on Capitol Hill.

"I’m confident he will do an outstanding job and will ensure my office continues to deliver excellent service to Idahoans," Risch said.

Before becoming chief of staff, Insinger worked with Risch for more than 35 years in Boise. He is a former deputy prosecuting attorney for Ada County, former member of the Idaho Judicial Council, and former member and chairman of the Idaho State Bar Professional Conduct Board.

“It is an honor and pleasure to serve Sen. Risch and I’m pleased to be continuing in office leadership,” Insinger said. “It is rewarding to lead the incredibly bright and capable staff working on behalf of Idahoans.”