Russell Cleveland campaigns for House District 1 with focus on healthcare and education

At a recent Town Hall meeting in Missoula, Russell Cleveland, a newcomer to the political scene, made a strong case for his candidacy against incumbent Ryan Zinke for House District 1. Cleveland, a lifelong problem solver and Navy veteran, highlighted pressing issues such as significant cuts to Medicaid that could jeopardize healthcare for millions and threaten the closure of rural hospitals. He emphasized the potential loss of 80,000 veteran jobs, calling for a united effort to address these challenges.

Cleveland, who has personal experience with the healthcare system after losing his daughter to leukemia, expressed his commitment to reforming healthcare and education. He urged community members to support grassroots campaigns, stating, “This is going to be a fight that all of us have to get into.”

The meeting also featured Eli Steinberg, a high school sophomore and state chair for the Montana High School Democrats. Steinberg called for increased youth involvement in politics, stressing that democracy requires both time and financial support. He encouraged attendees to engage younger generations, stating, “Democracy is not a spectator sport.”

The Town Hall served as a platform for Cleveland to introduce himself and rally support, while also recognizing the contributions of outgoing representatives Katie Sullivan, Connie Kehoe, and Marilyn Marlowe, who have served multiple terms. Their leadership was acknowledged with applause, marking a moment of gratitude amidst the discussions of future challenges and the need for active civic engagement.