Christopher Darnell
| Christopher "Bootleg" Darnell | |
 | |
| Vice Chair Libertarian Party of Tennessee | |
| 2022—2024 (until his passing) | |
| Personal Details | |
| Birth: | November 25, 1993 Kingsport, Tennessee |
| Death: | April 6, 2024 (aged 30) |
| Education: | University of Phoenix (B.S. in Computer Software Engineering) |
| Military: | U.S. Army |
| Occupation: | Software Developer, Automotive Service Manager |
| Residence: | Kingsport, Tennessee |
| Party: | Libertarian Party |
| Facebook: | |
| Twitter: | |
| YouTube: | YouTube |
Christopher "Bootleg" Darnell (November 25, 1993 – April 6, 2024) was a self-described avid supporter of individual liberty and freedom for all of mankind.[1] He was the host of the Not a Real podcast[2] and served as Vice Chair of the Libertarian Party of Tennessee.
Education and Career
Darnell earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Software Engineering from the University of Phoenix, graduating in 2019. His career spanned various roles, reflecting his diverse skills and interests. He worked as a Coordinator II at Wheels, Inc. from May 2023 until his passing and briefly at LeasePlan in 2023. Darnell also served as a Service Manager at Firestone Complete Auto Care and held positions at Bridgestone Americas before venturing into entrepreneurship with Darnell's Guns in Kingsport, Tennessee.
Libertarian Activism
Darnell was actively involved in the Libertarian Party since 2021, starting as a county chair and quickly advancing to regional chair. In these roles, he was instrumental in implementing a constitution, expanding membership, and planning outreach events, significantly contributing to the growth and impact of the party in Tennessee. He was also active in "Tennessee Taking Action" and "Defend the Guard," and in December 2023 initiated the landmark lawsuit, Libertarian Party of TN v. The State of TN, challenging the state's ballot access requirements as unduly burdensome for minor parties.
Personal Life
Darnell is survived by his spouse/partner, Samantha McHugh, and two sons. He was a devoted family man and community member who left a lasting impact on those around him through his advocacy and personal engagements.