Ysursa is a native of Boise, Idaho and was born to a Basque American family. His paternal grandparents, Benito Ysursa and Asuncion Camporredondo, were immigrants from the Basque Country. His father, Ramon Ysursa (1920-2015), was active in the Basque American community in Boise.[1]
Ysursa was admitted to the Idaho State Bar in 1974. From 1974 to 2003, Ysursa served in the Idaho Secretary of State office under his predecessor, Pete T. Cenarrusa. He held the positions of Deputy Secretary of State (1974–1976) and Chief Deputy Secretary of State (1976–2003).
Idaho Secretary of State
Ysursa was elected Secretary of State in 2002 with 77.5 percent of the vote.[3] He was reelected unopposed in 2006.[4][5] Ysursa was elected to a third term in 2010, defeating Democratic nominee Mack Sermon with 74.3 percent of the vote.[6] During his tenure in office, Ysursa was characterized as a moderate Republican.[7]
During the 2014 Idaho gubernatorial election, Ysursa helped incumbent Governor Butch Otter's reelection campaign.[8] Ysursa did not seek reelection in 2014, instead supporting the unsuccessful candidacy of Phil McGrane.[9] Ysursa cited a lack of "fire in the belly" for his decision to not seek another term in office.[10]
Ysursa left office in 2015 and was succeeded by 2014 election victor Lawerence Denney.[11][12] In 2022, Ysursa actively supported McGrane's successful candidacy for Secretary of State.[13]
Later career
After leaving office in 2015, Ysursa joined Gallatin Public Affairs in an 'of counsel' position the firm.[14]