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Darrell Ehrlick| The Daily Montanan

Kevin Hamm told a crowd gathered in the backyard of a downtown Billings house that he can help unify the state behind one shared value that transcends both political parties a belief in being stubbornly independent.

As he announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, he said the spirit that has made Montana so unique a state is characterized by its ability to support people over partisan politics. He told the group gathered on Tuesday evening that he was that type of person who respects and understands Montanas purple heritage, a mix of both major political parties.

Hamm, who ran in 2022 for a seat on the states Public Service Commission, announced his candidacy for Montanas central and eastern Congressional district as a Democrat. Montanas current Congressman representing the district, which includes Billings, Helena and Great Falls, is held by Rep. Matt Rosendale, a Republican in his second term.

With the 2024 Election still 18 months away, Hamm told the Daily Montanan the timing gives him ample opportunity to speak with Montanans who may believe that the race is impossible for a Democrat.

I am not a politician, and I havent inherited my wealth, he told a gathering of about 50 people on Tuesday night. I took the drink orders of the pompous people whose fathers were paying for their drinks, while I was worrying about paying my own bills. I knew the good people in the kitchen. I was ridiculed, but I was able to live here authentically anyway. I built communities in the hallways, and I built communities in schools. I have a life of solidarity with those who are work for a living.

Hamm told supporters that he may not always agree with them, but he was willing to talk and return phone calls. He said that hes heard from many Montanans who are concerned that the political reputation of the state, which includes a tolerance and respect for diversity and a range of opinions, is under siege.

Hamms background is in telecommunications. He is the chief executive of Auxilyum and Treasure State Internet and Telegraph.

He said that his campaign is rooted in the belief that Montanans still support labor, still value a work ethic, are concerned about the climate, and want personal freedom.

I believe those are things that are more important than any political party, he said.

He also told the group that he planned on being a representative for a longtime, instead of using the office as a stepping stone to the next political office.

You have to have a representative with skin in the game and something to lose, he said.

He said current discussions at the federal level have been frustrating and he believes as a business owner in the technology industry, he understands the challenges both as an employer and a citizen.

I hear Congress talking about why it cant raise the minimum wage. That itd be too expensive to businesses. But businesses cant find employees and they cant find housing, Hamm said. Its too expensive not to do it.

He said some of those positions wont make him popular, but he said, I have thick skin.

He said that politicians in Congress have to stop playing with Social Security as a bargaining chip, and that the effects of weakening labor laws and federal oversight have led to catastrophes like the train derailment recently in Ohio.

He said that Montana and the nation have wrestled with a stubborn housing problem, but he said its not necessarily a case of not having enough houses, rather its an economic problem: The houses are no longer affordable.

Hamm said he was intentionally starting early and kicking off his candidacy in Billings, Montanas largest city, which is often considered to tilt conservative. He pointed out that even in the more conservative parts of the state, residents have historically been willing to split their ticket. He said hes beginning early to let independent voters know they have a choice, even though most political analysts see the seat as safely Republican.

Just watch me, Hamm said.

Continue reading here:
Democrat Kevin Hamm announces bid to rep Montana in U.S. ... - Great Falls Tribune