Russell’s political views

Below are additional views for you to explore, not necessarily linked to direct legislation being promoted in this campaign cycle.

Be sure to follow Russ on social media:

  1. Fiscally Responsible - 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 only after a proven, congressional cost-benefit analysis.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Conservation - 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. This is a real issue that affects us all without prejudice or partisanship 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.   

  8. 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), and to make sure conflicts uphold international humanitarian laws. . 

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

  11. Veterans - 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. 

  12. Pro-Competition - 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. 

  13. 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.

  14. Tribal Sovereignty & Respecting Montana’s Tribal Nations - I acknowledge that the lands we now inhabit, including those in this district, were home to Indigenous Peoples long before this land was a part of the United States of America. I honor their enduring connection to this place and will always respect their sovereign rights. I pledge to carry the voices of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, The Blackfeet Nation, and the diverse urban tribal populations to Washington to ensure their concerns, traditions, and wisdom guides decisions impacting our shared future as Montanans.

Have questions?

Feel free to email Russell Cleveland directly about his views at connect@russellcleveland.org