Affordable healthcare and prescriptions - having had a daughter who battled Leukemia, and seeing the financial impact that takes 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 what your socio-economic status. That paired with the constant rising cost of prescriptions linked directly to corporate greed and it is the American people getting 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, has to periodically rebalance the scales, or eventually the scales will break. In my view though, there are sensible and calculated ways to do that, that do not include a mass slash and burn methodology. I strongly oppose any cuts to Social Security, Medicaid/Medicare, or Veterans benefits, and feel that cuts to other programs should first have a proven cost benefit analysis ran through Congress before major cuts are made.

Women's Rights - I feel that my wife and daughters, along with all other women, should be able to choose what is right for their own bodies. It is my belief that a decision of this magnitude should be between a woman and their doctor, not some politician in Helena or in 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 still 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 every day part of our life, and in many cases livelihood. In increasing proportions 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, mental illness, and 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 may have 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 effects us all without prejudice every single day. I therefore support any legislation that reduces or repairs global warming, reduces pollution, or improves efforts and impact in preserving our beautiful state and planet.

Immigration - The American dream is not just for those who are already living here. It is also something many dream of who yearn to move here, living a safe and prosperous life for them and their families. This land belonged to solely Native Americans less than 500 years ago. The rest of us come from immigrants and should show encouragement to those trying to create a 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 it is a critical need to reform our work visa process as well, encouraging laborers to come seasonally support our agricultural community. 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 flow of both illegal immigrants and illegal product across our borders, both coming into the country such as illegal immigrants and fentanyl, as well a going out of country to reduce human trafficking and firearms smuggling to cartels and terrorist groups.  

Pro-Sovereignty - There is deep debate regarding spending U.S. dollars on conflicts abroad. It is my view point that we have a moral obligation as a world superpower to provide stability, resources and if necessary support 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 US 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 who you identify as. It is my belief that it is not the responsibility of a government, especially at the federal level, to try and 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 - Any one who has served knows the toll military service can take on an individual, both physically and mentally. I am a strong supporter of enhanced Veterans benefits, and that of 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 this. 

Tax reform - In the last decade, we have seen record high income disparity, with the wealthiest individuals accumulating wealth at a rate much faster than that of the middle and lower classes, to the point that the middle class is going extinct. I support legislation that would shift the tax burden accordingly, matching this trajectory so that as wealth accumulates at a higher percentage so does the burden to shoulder more tax. Inversely, as mentioned below, I believe strongly that middle and lower classes who suffer from an inflation rate climbing faster than wages should have their tax burden reduced, such as those living on social security, disability, or working for minimum wage. I support tax legislation that would cut taxes for any households making less than $200,000/yr. 

Protect Public Lands - for a long time this was seen as a bi-partisan issue, in Montana especially. 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. Trumps 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 Montana environment. Many of us choose to live in this state because of its clear blue sky, lush forests, 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 rate much faster than that of any government. In my view, the government should only protect the consumer from monopolization, negative environmental outcomes, or other negative factors forced upon a people who are not direct consumers of a product yet forced to live with its consequences. In addition, I also am a strong proponent of free trade, and believe Trumps tariff plan is a global economic disaster, with Montanan’s topping the list of those who will be most negatively effected. 

A strong military - Just like in sports, I am a firm believer that the best offense is a strong defense. I am a firm believer in maintaining a strong, robust and well trained military for defense reasons. However, I do feel that our defense spending 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, who operates at just 25% of our annual defense budget. This, though unpopular, should be an area of review to save Americans critical tax dollars and pay down the national deficit.