When you think of politicians, a few familiar names might come to mind—Republicans, Democrats, big promises, and even bigger party divides. But Gary Johnson is a name that stands out for a different reason. He’s not your average politician. In fact, he spent much of his life outside of politics, building a business from scratch and living by a very clear philosophy: government should stay out of our lives as much as possible. Known for his work as the Governor of New Mexico and as a two-time presidential candidate for the Libertarian Party, Gary Johnson’s career has been defined by a consistent commitment to individual freedom, fiscal responsibility, and personal choice.
Humble Beginnings and Entrepreneurial Drive
Gary Johnson was born on January 1, 1953, in Minot, North Dakota, but spent most of his life in New Mexico. He didn’t come from a wealthy or politically connected family. Like many Americans, he worked hard from a young age. He attended Sandia High School in Albuquerque, where he ran track—something he continued to love throughout his life—and then went on to study political science at the University of New Mexico.
But unlike many political science grads, Johnson didn’t go straight into government work. Instead, he started his own small business in 1976. What began as a one-man operation fixing things door-to-door quickly grew into Big J Enterprises, a construction company that would eventually employ over 1,000 people. He didn’t rely on flashy marketing or big investors. He simply worked hard, made smart decisions, and delivered results. His success in business is one of the reasons many people admired him when he later stepped into politics—he had already proven himself in the real world.
Governor of New Mexico: Doing Politics Differently
In 1994, Gary Johnson ran for Governor of New Mexico as a Republican. He had no political experience, but he had a clear message: he wanted smaller government, lower taxes, and less red tape. To the surprise of many, he won. And then, in 1998, he won re-election by an even bigger margin.
As governor, Johnson quickly became known as “Governor Veto” because he vetoed over 750 bills—more than all the other governors in the country combined at the time. Why? Because he believed many of those bills were wasteful, unnecessary, or simply not the government’s business. His approach frustrated some lawmakers but impressed others who valued his consistency and principles. He also cut taxes, reduced the size of the state government, and left New Mexico with a budget surplus.
But Johnson wasn’t just about cutting spending. He also supported school choice, criminal justice reform, and the decriminalization of marijuana—issues that were far ahead of their time back in the late 1990s. He believed in letting people make their own decisions, as long as they weren’t hurting others. That idea became a cornerstone of his political philosophy.
A Voice for Libertarianism
After leaving office in 2003, Gary Johnson took a break from politics and focused on personal pursuits like fitness, mountain climbing, and participating in Ironman triathlons. But in 2011, he returned to the political scene—this time as a candidate for president.
He initially ran as a Republican, hoping to bring libertarian ideas into the GOP. However, he struggled to get media attention or be included in major debates. Frustrated with the two-party system, he switched to the Libertarian Party and became their official candidate for president in 2012. He ran again in 2016.
As a Libertarian, Johnson brought attention to issues that often get overlooked. He pushed for non-interventionist foreign policy, criminal justice reform, ending the war on drugs, and protecting civil liberties. He also advocated for balanced budgets, reducing the national debt, and reforming taxes. In a time when American politics was becoming increasingly polarized, Johnson offered a middle ground that appealed to voters from both the left and the right.
2016: More Remarkable Than Anticipated
Among the most polarising in modern U.S. history, the 2016 election. Many Americans were searching for another option with Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump as the main party rivals. Gary Johnson and his campaign mate, former state Governor Bill Weld, provided them that option.
Johnson did not win any electoral votes, but he did garner more over 4 million votes—roughly 3.3% of the total. That may not seem like much, but for a third-party candidate, it was significant. At the time, it was the most votes ever cast for a Libertarian candidate in United States history.
Johnson’s 2016 campaign helped to nationalise libertarian ideas. Though he lost, he made people think differently about the role of government, personal freedom, and what it meant to be genuinely independent in a system ruled by two major parties.
Challenges and Criticism
Like any prominent person, Gary Johnson attracted criticism. Many said he lacked expertise on foreign policy—a topic that became more relevant after his “What is Aleppo?” moment during a 2016 interview concerning the Syrian conflict. Some said he lacked debating zeal and that his policy positions were too simplistic for complex topics.
Living Outside Politics
Johnson mostly withdrew from national politics following the 2016 election. In 2018, he ran once more for U.S. Senate in New Mexico; he lost. Not to acquire power but to safeguard freedom, he stayed engaged pushing libertarian ideas and motivating new generations to participate in politics.
Johnson is a passionate sportsman outside of politics. He still leads an active life, has climbed Mount Everest and taken part in several Ironman races. His love of endurance sports reflects his attitude to life and politics: it’s about discipline, tenacity, and sticking to your beliefs even when it’s difficult rather than about shortcuts.
Legacy and Impact
Gary Johnson may not have become president, but his impact on American politics is undeniable. He showed that it’s possible to challenge the status quo, that principles matter, and that you don’t have to be part of the political elite to make a difference. He gave a voice to millions of Americans who felt left out of the traditional political conversation.
In many ways, Johnson helped pave the way for greater acceptance of third-party ideas in American politics. He didn’t win every race, but he consistently pushed for a smaller, more accountable government and greater personal freedom—ideas that continue to influence both libertarian and mainstream political conversations today.
Final Thoughts
Gary Johnson’s story is one of persistence, independence, and staying true to one’s beliefs. Whether you agreed with him or not, his presence in the political arena was a reminder that there is always room for alternative voices and that government should serve the people—not the other way around.
In a time when politics can feel overwhelming or even hopeless, Johnson’s message is refreshingly simple: live freely, take responsibility, and let others do the same.
