Let's Talk About Things that Matter
Taxes
Americans are being taxed too much because our government has become bloated, wasteful, and unaccountable. While hardworking families tighten their belts, Washington keeps spending like there’s no limit — racking up debt our children and grandchildren will be forced to pay. As your Senator, I will work to lower taxes for the middle class, hold the line on government spending, and restore fiscal discipline to Congress. The wealthiest Americans — including the top 1% of the 1% — should pay what they owe, but we don’t need higher taxes, we need smarter government. Our tax dollars should go toward essential services, not bureaucratic bloat. As a lifelong entrepreneur and restaurateur, I know how to balance a budget — and I believe that with strong leadership and common-sense solutions, we can start reducing the national debt and eliminate the deficit over the next decade.
Government Size and Debt
I believe our federal government is bloated with redundant agencies that overlap in responsibility yet deliver little in results. Countless staff positions that no longer serve a purpose still exist today, wasting taxpayer dollars. As your Senator, I will work to eliminate this redundancy and cut through the bureaucracy by downsizing the federal government and eliminating positions that no longer make sense. I will proudly support President Donald J. Trump in his mission to slash wasteful spending and restore fiscal responsibility. These reforms will help reduce our national debt. At the same time, I’ll increase support at the district level — expanding congressional offices and providing more resources so constituents, especially our veterans, get the help they need. Finally, I believe unelected government employees involved in policy administration and spending should be held accountable — and required to consult Congress before making major decisions that affect the American people.
Gun Rights
I fully support the Second Amendment — it’s a cornerstone of our Constitution and a vital part of protecting our freedoms. A safe America is an armed America, and I’ve made it clear that I intend to carry my firearm while serving in the U.S. Senate. At the same time, I believe we need responsible, commonsense measures to protect our children and communities. For too long, both parties have failed to provide real solutions — offering only patchwork policies that don’t address the root of the issue.
I support the right of law-abiding Americans to own firearms, but with that right comes responsibility. I will introduce legislation to modernize our firearm registration system, similar to how we register vehicles — without adding unnecessary taxes or burdens on responsible gun owners. Each firearm would carry a VIN-style number, tracking ownership history through a secure, private system. Transfers and sales — including those at gun shows — would require a simple title form to ensure accountability.
I will also fight to ban the sale of untraceable “ghost guns,” which are too easily accessible — even to minors. This isn’t about taking away rights — it’s about making sure those rights are exercised safely, responsibly, and in a way that protects all Americans.
Small Businesses
I believe that every American who wants to build a business should have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and it's time we stop holding them back with outdated, bureaucratic red tape. I fully support current and future small business owners — and under my leadership, I’ll work to expand access to capital by reforming the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA’s current loan and grant requirements are unreasonable and fail to serve the very entrepreneurs it was created to support.
I will eliminate unnecessary restrictions, such as how long a business has been operating, and raise outdated income and profit thresholds so more Americans can qualify. I will also push banks to broaden their criteria for small business loans, ensuring everyday Americans — not just the well-connected — have a fair shot. It’s unacceptable that a 20-year-old can borrow $100,000 in student loans with no guarantee of return, but can’t get a $10,000 loan to start a business. I will fight to fix that.
In addition, I will require that U.S.-based manufacturers source at least 75% of their materials from American suppliers. This will create more opportunities for small and mid-sized companies to grow, hire, and keep our supply chains strong and domestic.
For too long, both parties have used small business owners as talking points while doing little to help them thrive. I’ll stand with those who put American businesses — and American workers — first, every time.
Economy
In just two years under Joe Biden’s Democratic presidency, we’ve watched our economy shrink by 8%. GDP is down, gas prices have hit record highs, grocery store shelves have gone empty, supply chains are broken, and we even faced a nationwide baby formula shortage — all because of poor planning and reckless decisions, like halting production without a strategy to restock.
As your Senator, I will always put Minnesota first — not second. That means investing in our domestic economy, securing our borders, supporting small businesses, achieving energy independence, and restoring the quality of our education system. Americans feel the pain every day — from rising prices on school supplies, diapers, and groceries to skyrocketing interest rates that make it harder to buy a home or start a business.
The current administration wants you to believe that printing money, mailing checks, and expanding unemployment benefits are real economic solutions. They’re not. That’s not how a strong, lasting economy works. As your Senator, I will fight to empower small businesses, shrink the size of government, and put an end to the reckless spending that’s dragging our country down.
We must reopen and strengthen our supply chains — at seaports, border crossings, and beyond — so every American has access to the products they need, without facing empty shelves or inflated prices. It’s time to restore balance to supply and demand and put an end to price gouging. The American people deserve better — and I’m ready to deliver.
Criminal Justice and Police Reform
We need our police officers to secure our neighborhoods, protect our streets, and defend our communities. Law enforcement is the backbone of a safe society, and anyone who thinks otherwise is dangerously out of touch. It's time to Back the Blue — and make it clear that our police officers deserve our support, not our scorn. Law enforcement is essential, but yes, we need reform. We need stronger, more effective police training in community policing, de-escalation, mental health response, active shooter situations, and understanding the law.
At the same time, we must hold officers accountable for their actions and narrow qualified immunity so that the few bad actors cannot tarnish the reputation of the entire profession. But here's the reality: Some Democrats want to defund the police, take away the resources they need to protect us, and endanger our communities in the process. That’s not the solution — it’s reckless. We must demand a higher standard from our law enforcement because we are entrusting our safety — and our children’s safety — to those who have sworn to protect us.
I stand with law enforcement, and I’ll never back down from fighting to ensure they have the tools, the training, and the support they need to keep us safe. It's time to reject the divisive calls to defund the police and instead invest in those who put their lives on the line every day for our safety.
Education
Our education system has been in decline for years, and cutting essential programs like art, music, and physical education is only making things worse. If we continue down this path, we will jeopardize the future of our nation and our children.
We’ve asked more of our teachers than ever before, but we’ve failed to provide them with proper compensation and a supportive work environment. It’s time to change that. Investing in our education system is an investment in our future — but it must come with accountability. We need to increase funding for schools while ensuring every dollar is spent wisely, with a focus on reducing class sizes, offering personalized learning experiences, and integrating hybrid learning models that can meet the diverse needs of our students.
Furthermore, we must amend the curriculum to include essential life skills that will equip students for success in the real world. This means teaching financial responsibility, accountability, and critical thinking from a young age — while removing divisive and un-American programs like Critical Race Theory and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives from our classrooms. Our kids deserve an education that prepares them for life, not political indoctrination.
I believe the future of education lies at the state level, where decisions can be made with greater accountability and focus on local needs, not dictated by the federal government. Let’s restore excellence to our education system, give our children the tools they need to succeed, and ensure that teachers have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.
Energy Independence
America has all the resources to become a global energy powerhouse. It’s time to stop funding dictatorships and authoritarian regimes that control our energy sources. Every dollar we spend on foreign oil fuels tyrants like Putin and Maduro, and it’s time we put an end to that.
We can and must do better by revolutionizing our own energy infrastructure to achieve true Energy Independence. This will allow us to lower gas prices, regain control over our supply chains, and rebuild our national reserves at a lower cost to taxpayers. I vow to open up leasing for offshore drilling and expand exploration on government-owned land. We’ll partner with Native Nations to ensure safe, secure pipelines through their lands. Reopening the XL Keystone Pipeline will provide America with a safer, more reliable energy source that doesn’t depend on foreign adversaries.
But we won’t stop there. The future of America’s energy isn’t just in fossil fuels — it’s in innovation. I will push for a bold shift toward cleaner, more efficient energy sources, such as solar, wind, and nuclear power. My plan includes building the largest solar panel grid ever seen, along with expansive wind farms in the Midwest, unlocking renewable energy and lowering costs for American families. Additionally, I will work with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to develop the safest, most advanced nuclear power plants using the latest technologies to keep America’s energy secure and sustainable for the future.
It’s time to put America first, not foreign dictators. Let’s take control of our energy future and ensure prosperity for generations to come.
Women’s Rights
I believe the government should respect the sanctity of life and the values that strengthen families. However, I also recognize the importance of a woman’s right to make decisions about her own health. The government should not impose mandates on when, how, or if a woman can take control of her reproductive health. As your representative, I will work to support legislation that protects the rights of women to make informed healthcare choices while also ensuring that families have access to comprehensive healthcare services that support their well-being. We must always consider the best interests of both women and families, fostering a society that values life and strong, healthy communities.
America First Policies
I believe that America First should be our guiding principle. Time and again, we’ve seen how the federal government has been slow to respond to the needs of everyday Americans, while wasting resources on foreign interests. During recent crises, financial assistance to American businesses and workers was reluctant and insufficient. I am committed to supporting policies that put Americans first — prioritizing American workers, American businesses, and American families, especially in critical areas like labor and education.
I will champion America First policies that focus on reducing our involvement in costly foreign wars and interventions. We cannot afford to continue pouring American taxpayer dollars into conflicts overseas when we have urgent needs at home. Instead, I will fight to redirect those resources to programs that directly benefit American communities, strengthen our economy, and provide opportunities for future generations of Americans to thrive.
Removal of Trading for Members of Congress
Members of Congress and their families should not have the ability to trade, buy or sell stocks while in office. My administration will push for legislation and the creation of an agency that will remove and police members of congress investments while in office. Congress Members must sell or freeze all of their stock and investments before taking office to ensure that our representatives are not bought by corporations.
American Energy Transition
Our federal government is bloated with redundant agencies and inefficiencies that overlap in responsibility but deliver little in results. Countless unnecessary positions continue to drain taxpayer dollars with no real purpose. As your Senator, I will work to eliminate this wasteful bureaucracy by downsizing the federal government and cutting positions that no longer serve the American people. I’ll proudly support President Donald J. Trump in his mission to slash wasteful spending and restore fiscal discipline. These reforms are crucial to reducing our national debt and getting our financial house in order.
At the same time, we must focus on revitalizing America's energy independence. I will prioritize American-made energy — whether it’s expanding our domestic oil and natural gas production, investing in clean coal technologies, or advancing renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and nuclear. We need a comprehensive, America First energy plan that ensures energy security, lowers costs for families, and puts us in control of our future. No longer should we rely on foreign oil or dictatorships; we can and should harness our own resources to power our nation.
Additionally, I will push for greater support at the district level, expanding congressional offices and providing more resources so that constituents — especially our veterans — receive the assistance they deserve. I also believe that unelected bureaucrats, who shape policies and decide on spending, must be held accountable. They should be required to consult Congress before making decisions that impact the lives of everyday Americans.
Mike Ruoho
Restoring the Dignity of the SENATE
My name is Mike Ruoho, and I was born in Minnesota in 1986. Raised by a single mother alongside my siblings, I witnessed firsthand the values of hard work, perseverance, and resilience as she provided for our family. These lessons have shaped my commitment to fighting for hardworking Americans who deserve a government that works for them—not against them.
I attended Roseville Area High School and Tartan High School before pursuing higher education at Dunwoody College of Technology, where I majored in Automotive Repair and minored in Business. My background in both the trades and business has given me a deep appreciation for the challenges faced by workers, entrepreneurs, and families striving to achieve the American Dream.
I am running for the United States Senate because I believe in limited & smaller government, fiscal responsibility, and protecting the freedoms that make our nation great. Too often, politicians prioritize bureaucracy over the needs of everyday Americans. I will fight to lower taxes, cut wasteful spending, and ensure that small business owners—the backbone of our economy—get the support they need to thrive.
It’s time for real leadership that puts the people first, and that’s exactly what I intend to bring to Washington.