Montana Libertarian from Kalispell joins 2024 Senate race

Keila Spzaller
·2 min read
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Libertarian Sid Daoud of Kalispell has announced a run for the U.S. Senate.

“There has never been a more urgent time in our history for the United States to focus on individual liberty, federal fiscal responsibility, and rebuilding our economy through an unfettered free market,” Daoud said in a statement. “Curbing federal overreach immediately is critical to the long-term health of the United States.”

Daoud is a member of the Kalispell City Council and chairperson of the Montana Libertarian Party.

Sid Daoud, a city councilmember in Kalispell and chairperson of the Montana Libertarian Party, has announced his candidacy for the Montana U.S. Senate race in 2024.
Sid Daoud, a city councilmember in Kalispell and chairperson of the Montana Libertarian Party, has announced his candidacy for the Montana U.S. Senate race in 2024.

So far, he’s the only Libertarian to launch a campaign, but other Republicans already are vying to unseat incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat.

Bozeman businessman Tim Sheehy, backed by the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and former Secretary of State and Public Service Commissioner Brad Johnson have filed, as have Thomas Madigan and Jeremy Mygland, according to the Federal Elections Commission.

Speculation is high that Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale will make a run for the Senate, but he so far has not filed for the race.

Political analysts say Libertarians can pull votes away from Republicans.

MTN News reported Libertarians earned more votes in 2006 and 2012 than Tester’s margin of victory over Republicans, but Daoud argued they pull from both parties — and bring in voters who wouldn’t otherwise go to the polls.

On his campaign website, Daoud said he wants to address “skyrocketing property taxes” and an “outdated one-size-fits-all education system.” He also identifies the housing crisis as an issue he believes free market solutions would solve.

In a story posted on his party’s website, Daoud said the U.S. Constitution and its Bill of Rights form the core of his principles.

“Any issue I consider has to pass through the crucible of enhancing individual rights or support for the community free market,” Daoud said.

He lists 13 years in the U.S. Army in his background, a career in information technology, and volunteer work that includes Habitat for Humanity.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Libertarian joins race for Montana U.S. Senate in 2024