Gary Johnson

Gary Johnson is an American businessman and politician who served as the 29th governor of New Mexico from 1995 to 2003. Initially a member of the Republican Party, Johnson later became affiliated with the Libertarian Party, running as its nominee in the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections. He also sought the Libertarian nomination for the U.S. Senate in 2018. Johnson's political career is marked by a commitment to fiscal conservatism, limited government, and a focus on civil liberties.

Early life and career

Gary Earl Johnson was born on January 1, 1953, in Minot, North Dakota. He was raised in a family with a strong sense of public service; his mother, Lorraine B. Johnson, worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, while his father, Earl W. Johnson, was a public school teacher and a World War II veteran who served in the 101st Airborne Division. Earl Johnson's military service included participation in significant battles such as the Invasion of Normandy and the Battle of Bastogne, where he earned three Purple Hearts.

Johnson's family relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he graduated from Sandia High School in 1971. During his high school years, he was active in sports, particularly track and field. Following graduation, he attended the University of New Mexico (UNM) from 1971 to 1975, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. While at UNM, he joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and met his future wife, Denise "Dee" Simms.

To support himself during college, Johnson worked as a door-to-door handyman. This experience inspired him to establish his own business, Big J Enterprises, in 1976, focusing on mechanical contracting. Initially, he was the sole employee of the company. A significant turning point for Big J came when Johnson secured a major contract related to Intel's expansion in Rio Rancho, which significantly boosted the company's revenue. Over time, he expanded Big J into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, employing over 1,000 individuals. By the time he sold the company in 1999, it had become one of the leading construction firms in New Mexico.

Governorship

Johnson's entry into politics began in 1994 when he decided to run for governor of New Mexico. Despite being advised by established party members to pursue a position in the State Legislature instead, he invested $500,000 of his own funds into his gubernatorial campaign. His platform focused on a "common sense business approach," emphasizing tax cuts, job creation, and a commitment to restraining state government spending. His campaign slogan, "People before Politics," resonated with voters.

In the Republican primary, Johnson narrowly defeated state legislator Richard P. Cheney, securing the nomination with a close margin. He then faced incumbent Democratic Governor Bruce King and former Lieutenant Governor Roberto Mondragón in the general election. Johnson won the election with just under 50% of the vote, achieving a plurality in a state where Democratic registration outnumbered Republican registration by a significant margin.

During his first term, Johnson adopted a strict small-government philosophy. He became known for his extensive use of the veto power, setting a national record by vetoing 200 of the 424 bills passed by the legislature in his first six months in office. This represented 47% of all legislation, a notable figure in the context of his administration. Johnson's approach to governance was characterized by a focus on reducing the state's budget growth, which he successfully achieved by cutting the anticipated 10% annual increase in state spending.

Johnson's tenure was marked by his commitment to a limited government agenda, which often put him at odds with the state legislature. Despite his efforts, he faced challenges in getting many of his proposed reforms passed, as he struggled to gain support from the state senate. His administration focused on various issues, including school voucher reforms and the decriminalization of cannabis.

In 1998, Johnson sought reelection and was successful, winning a majority of the vote against his Democratic opponent. His second term continued to reflect his libertarian-leaning policies, as he maintained a focus on fiscal conservatism and government reduction.

Policy focus and legacy

Throughout his governorship, Johnson's policy focus was heavily influenced by his libertarian principles. He consistently advocated for anti-tax policies and sought to limit government intervention in various sectors. His extensive use of the veto power became a hallmark of his administration, as he aimed to curtail what he viewed as unnecessary government spending and overreach.

Johnson's commitment to educational reform was evident during his time in office, particularly in his support for school voucher programs. He believed that providing parents with the choice of where to send their children for education would improve educational outcomes and promote competition among schools. Additionally, he was an early advocate for cannabis decriminalization, reflecting his broader stance on civil liberties and personal freedom.

After completing his second term in 2003, Johnson retired from front-line politics due to term limits. He later transitioned to a national political stage, running for president as a Libertarian candidate in both the 2012 and 2016 elections. His campaigns emphasized fiscal responsibility, civil liberties, and a non-interventionist foreign policy, garnering significant attention and support within the Libertarian Party.

Johnson's political legacy is characterized by his distinctive approach to governance, which emphasized limited government and personal freedoms. His tenure as governor of New Mexico remains a significant part of his biography, illustrating his commitment to libertarian principles and his impact on state politics. Following his gubernatorial career, Johnson maintained a lower profile in politics, though he continued to engage in public discourse on various issues.