Russel Cleveland, a Democrat, is officially campaigning for a seat in the U.S. Congress against current Representative Ryan Zinke in the 2026 elections. Cleveland, a U.S. Navy veteran, hails from Stevensville and has a rich background in childcare. He is a distant cousin of former President Grover Cleveland.
Policy Positions and Aspirations
In a recent interview with NBC Montana, Cleveland outlined his key policy stances. He identifies as fiscally responsible and emphasizes the importance of addressing national debt and government expenditures. Cleveland believes that many individuals, including long-time conservatives, feel the political spectrum is shifting.
His main policy proposals focus on educational improvements and healthcare affordability. Cleveland stated:
- Increase teacher pay
- Create dual-credit high school courses
- Raise the minimum wage
- Cap property taxes
Cleveland emphasizes the need for early education, noting the significance of providing children with safe childcare options. He founded Rocky Mountain Kids, which managed 42 locations and cared for approximately 9,000 children over the past decade.
Education and Childcare Initiatives
“Education begins at an early age,” Cleveland remarked. “Montana currently faces a childcare shortage, and we must ensure that parents can return to work knowing their children are safe.”
Healthcare and Campaign Integrity
Ensuring affordable healthcare is another key focus for Cleveland. He expressed concern over the rising costs of healthcare, which can take up a significant portion of people’s incomes.
Regarding his campaign practices, Cleveland underscored his commitment to avoid corporate PAC and dark money funding. He aims to serve his constituents rather than special interest groups, stating:
“Public servants should dedicate their energy to the people who elected them. I’m not taking corporate PAC money, nor funding from dark money organizations.”
Competition with Ryan Zinke
When discussing his competition with incumbent Zinke, Cleveland highlighted the differences in their approaches. He is focused on serving the public rather than lobbyists or PACs, setting a clear distinction between his campaign and Zinke’s.
As Cleveland moves forward with his campaign, he continues to seek ways to engage with voters and address pressing issues facing Montana’s communities.
For further updates on Cleveland’s campaign, check El-Balad for more insights as the election date approaches.
