A popular two-term governor out of New Mexico, Johnson first entered politics in 1994 as part of the Republican Party. But his views have always hinged on libertarian principles of limited government and tax cuts. “My overriding philosophy is the common-sense business approach to state government, period. Best product, best service, lowest price,” Johnson told the libertarian magazine Reason during a 2001 interview.

Johnson’s 2016 campaign builds on his success in New Mexico, where a local reporter described him as “arguably the most popular governor of the decade.” Interest in and media visibility around his campaign has increased in recent months, as conservatives have expressed dislike of Trump, and Sanders’ chances at the nomination have diminished.