Hello all, and welcome to the second weekly blog post!
In this week’s blog, I go over running for political office—sharing tips, tricks, experiences, and why Minutemen need to get involved in their communities. I’ll also touch on my past campaigns for City Council and my current run for Lincoln County Sheriff.
My journey into politics started when I was a volunteer EMT/firefighter on the East Coast. At 16, I learned of a plan by the county to consolidate all volunteer ambulance crews into a county-run, for-profit business. On the surface, it sounded like a good idea. But as I dug deeper, it began to seem more and more corrupt. There were handshake deals with elected officials, agendas being pushed behind closed doors, and volunteer groups being disbanded without warning. I remember being one of approximately 200 volunteers from across the county who showed up to a commissioners’ meeting to condemn how the situation was being handled. I stood up and spoke my piece—drawing applause from the volunteers and ire from the commissioners.
Fast forward to 2023, and I once again encountered corruption. I was working for a police department whose leadership was engaging in morally questionable behavior—charging some individuals with crimes while letting others go based on friendships or status. After months of a toxic and hostile work environment, two other officers and I resigned on the same day. This sent the city reeling and left citizens demanding answers.
The city’s response was poor. For three weeks, nothing was said, and officials refused to admit there was any issue. When they were finally backed into a corner, they acknowledged what had happened but placed the blame solely on me and the other officers. I refused to let that stand. Letters were sent to the Montana Police Officers Standards and Training Council, the newspaper, and I regularly attended meetings to call out the mayor, city attorney, and city administrator. After three months, an independent investigation was conducted—and it confirmed what we had been saying all along.
I continued attending meetings and being the squeaky wheel. Eventually, multiple people approached me and encouraged me to run for a City Council seat. This was my first time running for office, and the learning curve was steep. There was paperwork, filing fees, and an entirely new set of laws I had to understand. Election laws govern who can run, when financial reports are due, what can be said about candidates, and the requirements for campaigning. My first piece of advice: review these laws carefully. It can be the difference between a successful campaign and serious legal trouble. Every state is different, so learn your local requirements. It can feel overwhelming, but take it one step at a time. Ultimately, I won the election and earned a seat on the council.
The next key piece is attending events. Some will be campaign-related—debates, meet-and-greets, civic gatherings—while others will be community events or even online forums. Attend as many as you can. Meet people and build connections. Voters are more likely to support you if they can connect a face to a name, understand your message, and see that your ideas stand on their own. In my current run for sheriff, I focus on being clear and consistent. You may not agree with everything I say, but my positions are straightforward and understandable. I believe in what I stand for, and that conviction comes through. Be genuine—people can tell the difference.
An online presence is also important. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and a dedicated website are valuable tools. Use them consistently, but remember they are just tools—nothing replaces face-to-face interaction. During my City Council run, my online presence was minimal. I had a Facebook page and participated in community forums, but many people later told me that meeting me in person is what ultimately won their support. Smaller elections require fewer resources, so starting small can be a smart move.
My current run for sheriff is much more demanding. I’m doing something for the campaign every day, and I now have a full team—a social media manager, campaign manager, and finance manager. I’m incredibly grateful for their support and the time they volunteer. Still, when it comes down to it, I’m the one who must meet with people and build relationships. It’s stressful, and it has affected my personal life. I’m away more, and my family gets less of my time. If you plan to run for office, understand the level of commitment required—you will be making sacrifices. But if you truly believe you are the best person for the job, don’t give up. Done for the right reasons, this is a noble pursuit. Overall, the experience has been incredibly rewarding, and I wouldn’t change it.
As Minutemen, it’s your duty to stand up for what is right. Use every available resource to support and defend your community. Stand up for those who need it most, and don’t allow corruption to go unchecked. If you see serious issues in your local government, it’s up to you to address them—because they won’t fix themselves. Power is rarely given back voluntarily, and it’s your responsibility to ensure government stays within its bounds.
If you’re interested in running for office, feel free to reach out. I’ll help where I can—as long as your intentions are genuine. If you’re only seeking a title, power, or a paycheck, don’t waste my time. That may sound harsh, but I’ve made it my mission to fight against corruption in politics.
Until next week,
Only you can prevent communism.
