Joshua Smith
| Joshua Smith | |
 | |
| At-Large Representative Libertarian National Committee | |
| July 3, 2018—? | |
| Region 5 Representative Libertarian Party of Washington | |
| July 8, 2017—2018 | |
| Vice Chair Libertarian National Committee | |
| 2022—2023 | |
| Personal Details | |
| Birth: | March 13, 1983 Antioch, California |
| Military: | United States Navy |
| Occupation: | Tradesman, Real Estate, Podcast Host |
| Residence: | Des Moines, Iowa |
| Party: | Libertarian Party |
| Media | |
| Facebook: | |
| Twitter: | |
| view image gallery | |
Joshua Smith is a libertarian activist and podcast host known for his show, Break the Cycle. He has been involved in the Liberty movement since 2008, inspired by activists and authors such as Ron Paul, Murray Rothbard, F. A. Hayek, and Henry Hazlitt. He was a 2024 Libertarian Presidential candidate.
Early Life and Activism
Originally from Antioch, California, Smith has been a blue-collar worker since the age of 14, engaging in various trades. He began his political journey in 2008 by working on The Campaign to Elect Dr. Ron Paul President of The United States. Since then, Smith has found a home in the Libertarian Party, where he has served as a National At-Large Representative for two terms and Vice Chair of The Libertarian National Committee. Over the last six years, he has traveled to 48 states, meeting thousands of people, and discussing the issues facing the nation. Notably, he keynoted The Ball Room behind Dr. Paul at the 2018 Omaha Roads To Freedom UnConvention.
Smith has held a number of positions within the Libertarian party, including At-Large representative of the Libertarian National Committee, At-Large for The Libertarian Party of California, Treasurer for The Libertarian Party of Contra Costa County, and former Region 5 Representative for the Libertarian Party of Washington [1]. He is a former candidate for the 49th District of the Washington House of Representatives. [2] in the 2018 Washington Elections, withdrawing his campaign on December 6, 2017[3] Smith is also a founding member of Think Liberty.
Resignation from Libertarian National Committee
In 2022, Smith was elected as Vice Chair of the Libertarian National Committee in Reno. However, in February 2023, he resigned from the position due to his dissatisfaction with the party's direction and internal politics[4]. In his resignation letter, he expressed his concern about the party's unwillingness to adhere to its principles and its tendency to prioritize political expediency over its core values. Smith's decision to step down from his leadership position was a reflection of his commitment to maintaining the party's focus on bold, true libertarian principles.
Presidential Candidacy
In July 2023, Smith announced his candidacy as a Libertarian Presidential candidate for the 2024 election, aiming to bring forth bold and true libertarian principles in the political arena. His campaign is centered on several key issues, including ending the Federal Reserve system, putting an end to forever wars, and promoting market competition and innovation. Smith envisioned a society that upholds the principles of liberty, limited government, and personal responsibility. He was determined to address the pressing challenges facing the nation and advocate for the rights of regular blue-collar Americans. He was eliminated in the third round of voting, receiving 45 votes (4,96% of vote total).
Personal Life
Originally from Antioch, California, Smith has since moved to Iowa. He is a veteran, father, husband, and national leader who is deeply committed to his family and the values he holds dear. He is fed up with the lack of representation and support from career politicians for the issues that matter to everyday Americans.
Podcast
Smith is also known as the host of the podcast Break the Cycle. The podcast features discussions on libertarian philosophy, activism, and current events from a libertarian perspective.
Organizational Positions
- 2018 National Convention- Washington Delegation
- Vice Chair (2022-2023)
- At-Large Representative (2018—?)
- Chair- Affiliate Support Committee
- Region 5 Representative (2017—2018)
- Retention Committee
- At-Large Representative (2019—present)
- Treasurer (2019—present)
- Membership Committee (2019—present)
- Platform Committee (2019—present)
2018 Campaign for LNC Chair
On September 12, 2017, Joshua Smith announced his candidacy for LNC Chair.[7] At the 2018 National Convention, Smith was elected to the LNC as an At-Large Representative.
Endorsements
- Organizations
- Individuals
- Traci Baker, Libertarian Party of Oklahoma Secretary [11]
- Jenn Bryson Gray, Arizona Libertarian Party [12]
- Michelle Darnell, 2017 Candidate for District 48 in the Washington State Senate[13]
- Merissa Hamilton, Republican Liberty Caucus of Arizona.[14]
- Alex Merced, Candidate for LNC Vice-Chair[15]
- Randy McGlenn, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Washington State[16]
- Matthew McGowan, County Development Coordinator for the Libertarian Party of Ohio[17]
- Mason Mohon, Director of Content, Chief Operations Officer, and Editor in Chief of 71 Republic[18]
- Brandon Phinney, New Hampshire State House of Representatives.[19]
- Matthew C. Scaro, 2018 Candidate for Governor of Illinois[20]
2019 Campaign for Libertarian Party of California Chair
On January 16, Smith announced his candidacy for Chair of the Libertarian Party of California.[21]
2020 Campaign for LNC Chair
On July 3, 2019, Joshua Smith announced his second candidacy for LNC Chair.
References
- ↑ https://lpwa.org/leadership/
- ↑ https://www.pdc.wa.gov/browse/campaign-explorer/candidate?filer_id=SMITJ%20%20661&election_year=2018
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/272051026634131/videos/304057626766804/
- ↑ https://groups.google.com/a/lp.org/g/lnc-business/c/ypEMcQmUIkM?pli=1
- ↑ http://lpmisescaucus.com/state-teams/
- ↑ http://lpmisescaucus.com/state-teams/
- ↑ http://think-liberty.com/2017/09/12/joshua-smith-intent-run-lnc-chairman/
- ↑ https://twitter.com/LibertyHangout/status/960025982047522816
- ↑ http://lpmisescaucus.com/2018/01/17/libertarian-party-mises-caucus-endorses-joshua-smith-lnc-chair/
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/Orthodox.Libertarian/posts/980542318762744
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1558801734435300/permalink/2058791614436307/
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1558801734435300/permalink/2058791614436307/
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2046451928973824&id=100008271105758
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1558801734435300/permalink/2049642372017898/
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1558801734435300/permalink/2058791614436307/
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/rjmcglenn/posts/1879615332049514
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/matthew.mcgowan.10/posts/2009441399085532
- ↑ https://71republic.com/2017/12/20/turning-the-ship-around-joshua-smith-for-lnc-chair-2018/
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/phinney/posts/806917969251
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tvEVLvJE3c&sns=fb&app=desktop
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaSmith4liberty/posts/527401137765784
- Pages using duplicate arguments in template calls
- 1983 Births
- Biographies
- Infoboxes with birth information
- Candidates for State House
- Candidates for National Party Chair
- Candidates from the 2010s
- Party Activists from the 2010s
- Party Activists from the 2020s
- 2018 National Convention Delegates
- Washington 2018 National Convention Delegates
- Retention Committee Members
- Washington State Party Retention Committee Members
- Washington Candidates for State House
- Washington Party Activists
- National Party At-Large Representatives
- California Candidates for Mayor
- Candidates for Mayor
- California Party Activists
- California State Party At-Large Representatives
- State Party At-Large Representatives
- Candidates for State Party Chair
- Candidates for California State Party Chair
- Libertarian Party Mises Caucus Members
- Local Party Treasurers
- California Local Party Treasurers
- California State Party Platform Committee Members
- California State Party Membership Committee Members
- Platform Committee Members
- Membership Committee Members
- Libertarian Party Mises Caucus Committee Members
- National Party Affiliate Support Committee Chairs
- Affiliate Support Committee Chairs
- National Party Vice-Chairs