Affordable Healthcare and Prescriptions - Having had a daughter who battled Leukemia and seeing the financial impact on families already struggling emotionally, there is no reason the richest country in the world should not take better care of its citizens, no matter their socio-economic status. With the constant rising cost of prescriptions — linked directly to corporate greed — the American people get the worst of both worlds. I support any legislation that makes healthcare and prescriptions more affordable for the American people.

Fiscally Conservative - As a successful businessman, I understand and believe that every organization, including the government, must periodically rebalance the scales or eventually the scales will break. In my view though, there are sensible and calculated ways to do that which doesn’t include a mass slash and burn methodology. I strongly oppose any cuts to Social Security, Medicaid/Medicare, or Veterans benefits, and feel that any other program cuts should only take place after a proven, congressional cost-benefit analysis.

Women's Rights - I feel that my wife and daughters — in fact, all women — should be able to make their own healthcare decisions and choose what is right for their own bodies. Whether or not to have an abortion, a decision of utmost magnitude, should be between a woman and her doctor, not some politician in Helena or Washington D.C. — I strongly oppose any legislation that suggests otherwise. In addition, I will promote any legislation that requires equal pay metrics for women, as women remain, on average, paid 83 cents to every equally qualified male dollar in the workforce.

Second Amendment - The right to keep and bear arms, like it or not, is a fundamental part of our Constitution. In Montana, firearms are an everyday part of life if not livelihood. Increasingly in this state, as in other states, they are also an important component to self-defense. As an avid hunter and military Veteran, I proudly support gun ownership and gun use, specifically for all law-abiding, mentally matured and sound-minded adults. I remain supportive of alternative legislation that reduces gun violence, addresses mental illness, and restricts the transfer of firearms to criminals, cartels, and terrorist organizations.

Separation of Church and State - Freedom of religion in this country to me means both freedom to practice whatever faith you believe in, as well as freedom not to. For that reason, it is my belief that legislators should refrain from instituting any components of their religion into any legislation that may force their beliefs on other people who may not follow that same religion. I will not support any legislation that attempts to intermix religion of any kind into programs of the state, including public education.

Climate Change - It is no secret we are heavily dependent on oil and oil byproducts. It is also known that oil (along with other modern energy types) has disastrous long-term effects on our planet. It baffles me that this is often seen as a democratic viewpoint and not a bi-partisan one, as ultimately this is a real issue that affects us all without prejudice every single day. I, therefore, support any legislation that reduces or repairs global warming, reduces pollution, or improves efforts to preserve our beautiful state and planet.

Immigration - The American dream is not just for those who already live here. It is also the dream of those who yearn for a safe and prosperous life — for themselves and their families. Fewer than 500 years ago, this land belonged solely to Native Americans. The rest of us are descendants of immigrants and we should encourage those trying to create a better future for their families — as our familial ancestors once did for us. I support any legislation that creates a more clear, efficient, and meaningful pathway to citizenship in the United States. As a member of the agricultural community, I also feel we must reform our work visa process as well, encouraging laborers to come seasonally to support our farmers and ranchers. Due process, even if expedited, should be given to every individual before deportation to avoid deporting legal residents.

Border Control - I believe that a secure border allows for bureaucratic processes to better perform due diligence and gives honest people looking to become American citizens a legal pathway to citizenship in the United States. This should not be confused with my stance on immigration, seen above. I support measures and funding to more closely regulate the illegal flow of both people and products moving across our borders in either direction.   

Pro-Sovereignty - There is deep debate regarding spending U.S. dollars on conflicts abroad. It is my viewpoint that we, as a world superpower, have a moral obligation to provide stability, resources, and support, if necessary, to any state seeking independence from external control or interference (be it from terrorist organizations or a neighboring aggressor). While the details of each situation are in constant flux and should be treated on a case-by-case basis, it is important that the U.S. maintain its ability to aid in finding peaceful resolution whenever possible, encouraging diplomatic resolutions over war. 

LGBTQ+ Rights - I believe all people are created equal, regardless of who you love or how you identify. It is not the responsibility of a government, especially at the federal level, to interfere with the rights of these Americans.

Pro-Union - This country was literally built on the backs of union workers. Unions have been a critical element to advocating for workers’ rights, better wages, safer work environments, and improved benefits. In recent decades union membership has been on the decline, and thus so has progress in worker pay and benefits. I encourage continued formation and increased participation in unions nationwide.

Veterans Benefits - Anyone who has served knows the toll military service can take on an individual, both physically and mentally. I am a strong supporter of enhanced benefits for veterans and their families. I believe it is the fundamental responsibility of the American people to care for those who have served to protect our freedoms and support any legislation in support of their health and wellbeing. 

Tax Reform - In the last decade, we have seen record high income disparity. The wealthiest individuals are accumulating wealth at a much faster rate than middle and lower classes, to the point that the middle class is going extinct. I support legislation that would shift the tax burden so that as wealth accumulates, so does the burden to shoulder more tax. Inversely, I strongly believe that middle and lower classes (suffering from an inflation rate climbing faster than wages) should have their tax burden reduced, especially for those living on social security, disability, or working for minimum wage. I support tax legislation that would cut taxes for any household making less than $200,000/yr. 

Protecting Public Lands - For a long time, especially in Montana, this was seen as a bipartisan issue. However, under the Trump administration, our forests are under attack, our parks under siege, and our public lands are being pushed towards privatization and sale. Trump’s energy goals, supported by Daines, Zinke, Sheehy, and Downing are set to strip Montana of its natural resources, with little to no regulation left to protect our fragile environment. Many of us choose to live in this state because of its clear blue sky, lush forests, and crystal clear streams and lakes — all free of pollution and industrialization. I support any legislation that keeps Montana the most beautiful state in the lower 48.

Free Market Capitalism - As a successful entrepreneur, I fully believe that supply and demand should justify pricing and production — without government intervention — as it often generates innovation at a much faster rate than that of any government. In my view, the government should only protect consumers from monopolization, negative environmental outcomes, or other negative factors that might be forced upon people (who are not direct consumers) who must live with the consequences. In addition, I am a strong proponent of free trade and believe Trump’s tariff plan is a global economic disaster — Montanans top the list of those who will be most negatively affected. 

A Strong Military - Just like in sports, I am a firm believer that the best offense is a strong defense, requiring a robust and well-trained military. Our defense spending, however, could be reined in, especially as AI aims to assume more administrative function and technology interface. With a 2024 Defense budget of nearly $1 trillion, we are spending four times that of the next highest country, China. This, though unpopular, should be an area of review to save Americans critical tax dollars and pay down the national deficit.