When talking about third-party politics in America, one name that often comes up is Gary Johnson. Known for his unique mix of fiscal conservatism and social liberalism, Gary Johnson made waves in the political world as the Libertarian Party’s presidential candidate in 2012 and 2016. But who exactly is Gary Johnson? What are his views? And why did he attract millions of votes outside the traditional two-party system? In this article, we’ll explore his background, beliefs, campaigns, and the reasons behind his growing popularity among voters looking for an alternative.
Gary Johnson: Early Life and Career
Gary Johnson was born on January 1, 1953, in Minot, North Dakota, and later raised in New Mexico. His early life was rooted in modest beginnings. He attended the University of New Mexico where he earned a degree in political science. However, instead of heading straight into politics, Gary Johnson took a different route. He became a successful entrepreneur, founding Big J Enterprises, a construction company that eventually grew into one of the largest in the state.
From Businessman to Governor
The Transition to Politics
Gary Johnson’s political journey began in the 1990s. As a Republican, he ran for Governor of New Mexico in 1994. Many didn’t expect him to win—after all, he was a businessman with no political background. But Johnson’s message of smaller government, fewer taxes, and individual freedoms resonated with voters. He won the election and was re-elected in 1998, serving two terms until 2003.
Highlights of His Governorship
As governor, Gary Johnson was known for his veto power. He vetoed more bills than all other 49 governors combined at the time. His focus was on reducing government spending, promoting school choice, and advocating for drug policy reform. Johnson became known for his independent thinking and willingness to challenge the status quo.
The Libertarian Presidential Runs
2012 Campaign
After stepping away from the Republican Party, Gary Johnson embraced the Libertarian Party and ran for president in 2012. His campaign focused on personal liberty, non-interventionist foreign policy, and ending the War on Drugs. Though he didn’t win any electoral votes, he secured nearly 1.3 million popular votes, the highest for a Libertarian candidate at that time.
2016 Campaign
In 2016, Johnson returned to the national spotlight. Running again as the Libertarian nominee, he teamed up with former Massachusetts Governor William Weld as his running mate. This time, his campaign gained even more traction due to widespread dissatisfaction with both major party candidates—Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.
Johnson earned over 4 million votes, the best performance by a Libertarian candidate in U.S. history. He appeared on every state ballot and took part in various media interviews, spreading libertarian ideals to a wider audience.
What Gary Johnson Believes In
| Core Belief | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Fiscal Conservatism | Johnson supports lower taxes, reduced government spending, and balanced budgets. |
| Social Liberalism | He supports LGBTQ+ rights, marijuana legalization, and a woman’s right to choose. |
| Non-Interventionist Policy | Johnson believes the U.S. should avoid unnecessary foreign wars and conflicts. |
| Individual Liberty | He often emphasizes freedom of choice in education, healthcare, and lifestyle. |
| Drug Policy Reform | A long-time advocate for legalizing marijuana and rethinking drug enforcement. |
Key Policy Positions
On Healthcare
Gary Johnson believes healthcare should be free from federal control. He advocates for a market-based system, allowing consumers and providers to operate with more freedom and fewer regulations.
On Taxes
Johnson supports a simpler, fairer tax system. He has suggested replacing the income tax with a consumption tax, similar to a national sales tax, which he argues would be more transparent and less punishing to success.
On Immigration
While Johnson believes in secure borders, he also supports a more welcoming immigration policy. He favors work visas and an easier path for law-abiding immigrants to come and contribute to the U.S. economy.
On Education
Johnson supports school choice, believing parents should have the freedom to choose public, private, charter, or homeschooling without government interference.
Public Perception and Media
During both presidential runs, Gary Johnson received more media attention than any previous Libertarian candidate. However, he also faced challenges, such as being excluded from the official debates due to polling thresholds.
One moment that drew criticism was when Johnson failed to recognize the name “Aleppo” during a live interview in 2016. While this hurt his credibility temporarily, it also highlighted the steep hill third-party candidates face in trying to match the media resources of Democrats and Republicans.
Why People Supported Gary Johnson
Voter Frustration with Two-Party System
Many of Gary Johnson’s supporters were tired of the political divide between Republicans and Democrats. They wanted a candidate who supported personal freedom, smaller government, and less foreign intervention.
Appeal to Young Voters
His stance on issues like marijuana legalization, online privacy, and non-interventionism appealed to millennials and younger voters who felt ignored by the traditional parties.
Consistency and Honesty
Johnson’s straightforward, no-frills approach to politics made him stand out. He was seen as honest, consistent, and not beholden to lobbyists or special interest groups.
Challenges Faced by Gary Johnson
Despite his popularity, Gary Johnson faced several hurdles:
- Lack of inclusion in major debates
- Minimal funding compared to Democratic and Republican candidates
- Limited media coverage
- Missteps in interviews that were amplified by opponents
Still, he managed to grow the Libertarian base and bring attention to ideas that many Americans supported but didn’t hear in mainstream discussions.
Personal Life and Adventures
Beyond politics, Gary Johnson is also known for his adventurous spirit. He has climbed the Seven Summits, which includes Mount Everest, and competed in Ironman triathlons. His active lifestyle and personal discipline are often seen as reflections of his independent mindset.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
Gary Johnson may not have won the presidency, but he left a significant mark on American politics. His campaigns brought libertarian ideas into the mainstream, encouraged more voters to consider third-party candidates, and challenged the dominance of the two-party system.
Interesting Facts About Gary Johnson
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gary Earl Johnson |
| Birth Date | January 1, 1953 |
| Political Affiliation | Originally Republican, later Libertarian |
| Governor of New Mexico | Served from 1995 to 2003 |
| Number of Presidential Runs | Two (2012 and 2016) |
| Business Career | Founder of Big J Enterprises, a successful construction company |
| Outdoor Achievements | Climbed Mount Everest and completed several Ironman races |
FAQs About Gary Johnson
Who is Gary Johnson?
Gary Johnson is a former two-term Governor of New Mexico and a Libertarian politician who ran for U.S. President in 2012 and 2016.
What political party does Gary Johnson belong to?
Gary Johnson was originally a Republican but later became a prominent figure in the Libertarian Party.
What are Gary Johnson’s views?
He supports smaller government, personal freedoms, lower taxes, school choice, and non-interventionist foreign policy.
Did Gary Johnson win any elections?
Yes, he won two terms as Governor of New Mexico. He did not win any presidential elections but made significant progress for a third-party candidate.
Why do people like Gary Johnson?
Many people appreciate his honesty, independence, and focus on personal liberty and government reform.
Gary Johnson may not be a household name like some major party politicians, but his ideas have had a lasting impact. Whether or not you agree with his views, his political journey proves that there’s a growing appetite in America for voices outside the mainstream. For voters looking for honesty, consistency, and real change, Gary Johnson offered a different path—one based not on partisanship, but on principle.
