Gary Johnson

Gary Johnson is an American politician, businessman, and Libertarian candidate who served as the 29th Governor of New Mexico from 1995 to 2003. He was a member of the Republican Party before joining the Libertarian Party in 2011. Johnson has been a strong advocate for federalism, limited government, and individual freedom, often citing the principles of Ayn Rand, Milton Friedman, and the United States Constitution. His political career has been influenced by his interactions with notable figures such as Ron Paul, Rand Paul, and William F. Buckley Jr..

● Early Life and Education

Gary Johnson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Lorraine Johnson and Earl Johnson, and grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He attended Sandia High School and later graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in political science. During his college years, Johnson was influenced by the ideas of Friedrich Hayek, Ludwig von Mises, and the Austrian School of economics. After college, Johnson worked as a handyman and later started his own construction company, Big J Enterprises, which became a successful business in New Mexico. Johnson's experiences as a businessman and his interactions with Herb Kelleher, the co-founder of Southwest Airlines, shaped his views on free market economics and entrepreneurship.

● Political Career

Johnson's entry into politics was motivated by his desire to reduce the size and scope of state government in New Mexico. He was elected as the 29th Governor of New Mexico in 1994, defeating Bruce King and Patricia Madrid. During his tenure, Johnson worked with State Senator Diane Denish and State Representative Joe Thompson to pass legislation promoting tax reform, deregulation, and privatization. Johnson's policies were influenced by the ideas of Milton Friedman, Thomas Sowell, and the Cato Institute. He also vetoed over 750 bills, earning him the nickname "Veto Johnson" and praise from National Review and the Wall Street Journal.

● Governor of New Mexico

As Governor, Johnson implemented various policies aimed at reducing the size and scope of state government. He worked with State Senator Stuart Ingle and State Representative Ted Hobbs to pass legislation promoting school choice, charter schools, and education reform. Johnson's education policies were influenced by the ideas of Milton Friedman, John Chubb, and the Brookings Institution. He also supported the development of private prisons and correctional facilities, citing the success of Corrections Corporation of America and GEO Group. Johnson's policies were often at odds with those of the New Mexico Legislature, leading to conflicts with State Senator Michael Sanchez and State Representative Kenny Martinez.

● Presidential Campaigns

In 2012, Johnson ran for President of the United States as the Libertarian Party nominee, with James P. Gray as his running mate. He campaigned on a platform of limited government, tax reform, and non-interventionism, citing the principles of Ron Paul and the Constitution Party. Johnson's campaign was endorsed by Penn Jillette, Jesse Ventura, and the Reason Foundation. In 2016, Johnson again ran for President, this time with William Weld as his running mate. His campaign focused on issues such as immigration reform, drug policy reform, and foreign policy, and was influenced by the ideas of George Will, Charles Krauthammer, and the American Enterprise Institute.

● Political Positions

Johnson has been a strong advocate for limited government, individual freedom, and free market economics. He has supported tax reform, deregulation, and privatization, citing the success of Chile and Singapore. Johnson has also been a vocal critic of interventionism and militarism, often citing the principles of Just War theory and the Geneva Conventions. His views on social issues have been influenced by the ideas of Ayn Rand, Murray Rothbard, and the Ludwig von Mises Institute. Johnson has also supported same-sex marriage, abortion rights, and drug policy reform, citing the principles of liberty and personal freedom.

● Personal Life

Johnson is an avid outdoorsman and has completed several Ironman Triathlon competitions, including the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. He has also climbed Mount Everest and completed the Boston Marathon. Johnson has been married to Debbie Johnson since 1977 and has two children, Sean Johnson and Katy Johnson. His personal life has been influenced by his interactions with notable figures such as Lance Armstrong, Michael Phelps, and the World Anti-Doping Agency. Johnson has also been involved with various charitable organizations, including the Libertarian Party and the Cato Institute. Category:American politicians