Libertarian Party of New York
| Libertarian Party of New York | |
| |
| General Information | |
| Founded: | April 22, 1972 |
| Region: | 6 |
| Officers | |
| Chair: | Duane Whitmer |
| Vice-Chair: | Daniel Castello |
| Secretary: | Andrew Kolstee |
| Treasurer: | Chance Haywood |
| Governing Documents | |
| Bylaws: | Adopted 1/11/2024 (info) |
| Platform: | Adopted 8/25/19 |
| Contact | |
| Phone: | (866) 336-3120 |
| Address: | P.O. Box 13402 Albany, NY 12212 |
| Website: | Website |
| Social Media | |
| Facebook: | |
The Libertarian Party of New York (LPNY) is an affiliate of the National Libertarian Party. The LPNY was one of the first state parties to organize and run candidates in the United States. It was originally known as the Free Libertarian Party (FLP) to prevent confusion with New York's Liberal Party and it was incorporated as a corporation under the name Free Libertarian Party, Inc. Ed Clark was the temporary chair, who led the the organization of the state affiliate and on April 1, 1973, during the first convention, Andrea Millen Rich was elected first chair. In 2018, Larry Sharpe received over 50,000 votes in his run for Governor, which secured automatic ballot access for the party in New York for the first time in its history.
History
The Libertarian Party of New York (LPNY) was founded in 1972, initially known as the "Free Libertarian Party." The party's early years were marked by the formation of local clubs and the organization of the first state conventions, where key figures like Ed Clark and Jerome Klasman played pivotal roles in establishing the party's structure and leadership. The party also made its first attempts at fielding candidates for public office, although these early campaigns faced significant challenges, such as difficulties in gathering enough petition signatures to get on the ballot.
The LPNY held its founding convention in March 1973, a significant event that drew around 95 attendees. This convention was notable for its adoption of bylaws and the election of state officers, including Andrea Millen as Chair. The party also selected candidates for various local offices in New York City for the 1973 elections. Despite the enthusiasm and energy at the convention, the party decided not to adopt a formal state platform at that time, reflecting the diverse views within its membership.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the LPNY continued to grow and evolve, with various leadership changes and internal disputes. The party became more organized, establishing a platform committee in the early 1980s and adopting a formal platform in 1983. During this period, the party also engaged in legal battles, such as a lawsuit against the Post Office, and focused on building its base rather than expending resources on statewide campaigns. Leadership during these years included figures like Carl Hastings, Thomas Frederick, and Gary Greenberg.
The 1990s and early 2000s saw the LPNY continuing its efforts to establish itself as a significant political force in New York. Notable events include Howard Stern's brief run for governor in 1994 and the party's increased efforts in organizing statewide campaigns. The party also focused on internal development, with frequent leadership changes and the establishment of new county chapters. The late 1990s and early 2000s were marked by efforts to expand the party's influence and membership across the state.
In more recent years, the LPNY has achieved significant milestones, such as gaining major party status after Larry Sharpe's 2018 gubernatorial campaign, which secured over 95,000 votes. This achievement led to the creation of new party rules and a restructuring of the party's leadership and organizational structure. The LPNY has continued to grow, with the formation of numerous Interim County Organizations and the election of several Libertarians to public office. The party's leadership has also continued to evolve, with new officers elected in 2020 and 2021, reflecting the ongoing efforts to strengthen the party's presence and impact in New York politics.
Organization
For the first 45 years of its history, the Libertarian Party of New York held an annual convention to elect five officers (Chair, two Vice Chairs, Secretary, and Treasurer) and give At-Large members. These ten members, along with the Immediate Past Chair (if any), plus one representative from each recognized local affiliate, comprised the State Committee]. Business was conducted in quarterly meetings until the early 2000s, when monthly teleconferences became the norm. In years past, the State Committee conducted business through mail ballots, until the advent of the internet. In 1999, business started to be conducted online at Yahoo Groups, which was active for business until the Free Libertarian Party, Inc. corporation was voted to dissolve in November 2019.
The party was led by an Interim State Committee (ISC), which was formed in February 2019 and acknowledged as the successor to the corporation in May 2019. The ISC is made up of 21 appointed members, which are set to serve until the elected State Committee convenes on September 26, 2020.
Leadership
The current leadership of the LPNY consists of the Executive Committee as follows.
- Duane Whitmer, Chair (since September 21, 2024)
- Daniel Castello, Vice-Chair (since September 21, 2024)
- Andrew Kolstee, Secretary (since September 21, 2024)
- Chance Haywood, Treasurer (since September 21, 2024)
- Christopher Skelly, Communications Director (since September 21, 2024)
- Mark Axinn, Fundraising Director (since September 21, 2024)
- Justin Carman, IT Director (since September 21, 2024)
- Rich Purtell, Legislative Affairs Director (since 2022)
- Pietro Geraci, Outreach Director (since September 21, 2024)
- Paul Grindle, Political Director (since September 21, 2024)
- Catrina Rocco, Volunteer Director (since September 21, 2024)
Conventions
The Libertarian Party of New York State has held a convention every year since its founding in 1973. Typically, the host chapter would cover the costs and keep the proceeds as a fundraiser. The State Committee would choose the location. In gubernatorial years, conventions are typically held in Albany while in Presidential years, conventions are typically held in New York City. In 2018, the party won ballot access. The structure of the committee had to change, in which the business of the convention actually occurs at an organization meeting of the State Committee, which is to be held according to New York State Election Law.
Ballot Access
The Party won ballot access in 2018 through the gubernatorial campaign of Larry Sharpe, after which the legislature raised the requirements. Several legal challenges were mounted which failed, and the US Supreme Court declined to hear the case (info).
Addresses and Phone Numbers
- 1974: 15 West 38th Street, Room 201, New York, New York, 10018, (212)354-0292.
- Bellport, New York
- c 2010: Bellport, New York
- 2015—2018: P.O. Box 98, Hamlin, NY 14464
- 2018—2019: Batavia, New York
- 2019—present: P.O. Box 13402, Albany, New York
Logos and Images
1974
1970s
2016-present
Documents
- Governing Documents
- Index of New York Libertarian Party Bylaws
- Index of New York Libertarian Party Platforms
- Index of New York Libertarian Party Special Rules of Order and Standing Rules
- Publications
National Convention Delegates
Elections
See: Libertarian Party of New York Historical Election Results
Size and Influence
Affiliates
In the beginning of its history, the Free Libertarian Party made provisions in its bylaws to form local/regional Libertarian clubs.
The Libertarian Party of New York currently has 29 local affiliates.
Acting County Chairs/County Liaisons
| County | Acting County Chair | Appointed | County Liaison | Appointed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany County Libertarian Party | Vacant | — | Justin Carman | December 4, 2023 | |
| Allegany County Libertarian Party | Jame VanDewalker | July 1, 2023 | Jame VanDewalker | July 1, 2023 | |
| Chenango County Libertarian Party | Vacant | — | Thomas Quiter | July 1, 2023 | |
| Clinton County Libertarian Party | Vacant | — | Zachary Remian | July 1, 2023 | |
| Lewis County Libertarian Party | Christopher Lyndaker | July 1, 2023 | Vacant | — | |
| Niagara County Libertarian Party | Adam Magoon | December 4, 2023 | Adam Magoon | December 4, 2023 | |
| Rensselaer County Libertarian Party | Jennifer O'Connor | July 1, 2023 | Jennifer O'Connor | July 1, 2023 | |
| Washington County Libertarian Party | Brian Wells | July 1, 2023 | Brian Wells | July 1, 2023 | |
| Westchester County Libertarian Party | Rajib Maitra | July 1, 2023 | Rajib Maitra | July 1, 2023 |
References
External Links
| State Organizations of the National Libertarian Party | ||
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