From 1992 to 1996 Amherd was a member of the city council of Brig-Glis (Stadtrat, executive member), from 1996 to 2000 vice president of the municipality of Brig-Glis and from 2000 to 2012 president of the municipality of Brig-Glis. Representing the canton of Valais, Amherd was member of the Swiss National Council from 31 May 2005 to 31 December 2018.[2]