The Issues
I’m running as an Independent for Washington’s 5th Congressional District because our community deserves leadership that puts people before politics. With 22 years of military service, I have learned that real leadership means putting those you serve first. I’m not beholden to party bosses or special interests—my only loyalty is to the people of Eastern Washington.
I want to restore the voice and power of the people, and take it back from big money.
We're community!
Whether you vote left, right, or somewhere in between, we all want the same basic things: to put food on the table, keep our families healthy, and know that the next generation will have a fair shot at success.
Let’s bring back respect, restore trust, and remember that what unites us as Americans is far stronger than what divides us. Let's focus on what the actual problems are in our communities.
Economy
Our economy works best when hard work is rewarded, families can build stability, and small businesses have room to grow. Right now, too many people feel like they’re playing by the rules but still falling behind — while the biggest corporations and wealthiest individuals find ways around them.
We need a simpler, fairer tax system that’s easy to understand and works for everyone — not just those who can afford accountants and lobbyists. When people see where their tax dollars go, they’re more willing to contribute. It’s time for transparency, accountability, and common sense in how we fund our future.
Housing
Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. Yet across Eastern Washington, the cost of housing is climbing faster than paychecks. Teachers, nurses, and young people are being priced out of the communities they serve.
We need a balanced approach that encourages responsible development, streamlines outdated zoning rules, and invests in infrastructure so new housing makes sense for the neighborhoods around it. Local builders, city planners, and residents all have to be part of the solution. When we work together, we can grow without leaving people behind.
Healthcare
No one should face financial ruin just because they got sick or injured. Access to affordable, reliable healthcare isn’t a partisan issue — it’s a matter of basic decency and smart economics.
We need to fix what’s broken: the high costs, the endless billing confusion, and the gaps that leave rural and working families behind. That means cutting red tape, holding insurance companies accountable, and expanding access to doctors, clinics, and preventative care.
When people can afford to take care of their health, our entire economy — and our communities — are stronger.
Education
Education should prepare every student — not just for tests, but for life. Our system needs to meet today’s world, not yesterday’s expectations. That means updating how and what we teach so that every child, no matter where they live, has a fair chance to succeed.
College must be affordable, but it shouldn’t be the only path to success. We need to restore respect and opportunity to the trades, apprenticeships, and technical programs that keep our country running. When education reflects real-world needs, students thrive, communities grow, and the economy gets stronger.
Infrastructure
We’ve heard talk about infrastructure for years — it’s time for real results. Roads, bridges, and broadband aren’t luxuries; they’re the foundation of opportunity.
In too many of our rural towns, access to reliable internet, safe roads, and nearby hospitals can determine whether families stay or leave. Investing in infrastructure isn’t just about pouring concrete — it’s about connecting people, strengthening communities, and giving every corner of Eastern Washington a fair shot at prosperity.
Farming
Farmers feed the nation, yet they’re being squeezed from every direction — higher costs, unpredictable markets, and a shortage of workers to get crops out of the ground. It’s time we stood with the people who keep our shelves stocked and our economy running.
We need smart, predictable farm policy that helps family farms compete, supports fair trade, and ensures access to the labor they depend on. That includes fixing seasonal work programs so farmers can hire legally and efficiently — without breaking the bank. Strong farms mean strong communities, and both deserve stability and respect.
Immigration
America has always depended on immigrants — from those who built our railroads and farms to the workers who keep our economy running today. But our system is broken and outdated, hurting everyone from small businesses to family farms.
We need an immigration policy that is fair, and efficient: one that secures our borders while creating realistic, affordable ways for legal workers to come here and contribute. When we make the system work for honest employers and law-abiding workers alike, we strengthen both our economy and our national security.
Campaign Finance
Every American’s voice should carry the same weight — whether you have a billion dollars or a bus pass. Right now, money has too much power in our politics, drowning out the voices of everyday people.
We need real transparency and limits that put voters, not donors, back in charge. No more dark money, no more loopholes. When elections are funded by the people they’re meant to serve, we can finally have leaders who answer to their communities — not their checkbooks.
Elected Officials and Stocks
Public service should never be a path to personal profit. If you’re making laws that affect the economy, you shouldn’t be trading stocks in the same companies that stand to gain or lose.
The fix is simple: no stock trading while in office — period. Investments should go into fully blind trusts with zero communication between the official and the fund managers. It’s about restoring trust, protecting taxpayers, and making sure decisions in Washington are made for the public good, not personal gain.
Term Limits
Public office should be about service, not a lifelong career. Too many politicians have made Washington their permanent home while losing touch with the people they represent.
Term limits would bring fresh ideas, restore accountability, and remind every elected official who they work for — the voters. No one should hold power for decades; it’s time to make space for new voices, new perspectives, and renewed trust in government.
Defense
The world remains a dangerous place, and peace is only possible when America stays strong. As someone who’s served for more than two decades in uniform, I’ve seen firsthand how vital readiness and deterrence are to keeping our nation safe.
A strong defense isn’t just about spending — it’s about smart investments, clear priorities, and taking care of the men and women who serve. We owe them the best equipment, the best training, and the best leadership. Strength and accountability must go hand in hand.
2nd Amendment
I’m a gun owner and a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment. Our right to bear arms is part of America’s history and identity — and it’s not going away.
But with that right comes responsibility. I'm tired of reading about mass shootings, especially when children are involved! I believe in open, honest discussions about practical steps that save lives without punishing responsible gun owners. Protecting rights and protecting people should never be at odds.
Abortion
Some choices in life are deeply personal — and abortion is one of them. I support access in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother’s life is at risk, but I also believe women should have the right to choose regardless of the circumstances. They can consult with their families, their doctors, and their faith if they choose, but it is their choice.
I may not agree with every decision made, but I will always respect the right of each individual to make it. No one approaches this issue lightly, and we should approach it with compassion, understanding, and trust — not judgment.
AI
Artificial Intelligence has the power to transform nearly every part of our lives — from healthcare and education to national security. But if we’re not careful, it could also deepen inequality, threaten privacy, and put jobs at risk.
We’ve seen what happens when technology outpaces regulation. We can’t afford to make the same mistake twice. We need thoughtful, bipartisan guardrails that protect innovation while ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness. America should lead the world in developing AI that serves people — not replaces them.
Mental Health & Addiction
Mental health is health — plain and simple. Yet too many people across Eastern Washington struggle to find affordable, timely care. Depression, anxiety, and addiction don’t care about income, party, or ZIP code — they touch every family in some way.
We need to expand access to counseling, treatment, and community-based recovery programs, especially in rural areas where help is hardest to find. Tackling the opioid crisis means supporting prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery — not just punishment.
Every person deserves the chance to heal and rebuild their life with dignity. When we treat mental health as a priority, we strengthen families, workplaces, and entire communities.