Peter Churchman
| Peter Charles Churchman | |
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| Personal Details | |
| Birth: | November 25, 1978 Grants, New Mexico |
| Death: | November 3, 2023 (aged 44) |
| Education: | Southwest Texas State University |
| Occupation: | Libertarian activist and political candidate |
| Residence: | Austin, Texas |
| Party: | Libertarian Party |
| Media | |
| Website: | [Peter Churchman's Official Website](https://www.churchmanfortexas.com/) |
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| Twitter: | |
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Peter Charles Churchman (November 25, 1978 – November 3, 2023) was a libertarian activist and political candidate from Austin, Texas. He was known for his involvement in libertarian politics and his brief but impactful run for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018.
Early Life and Education
Churchman was born on November 25, 1978, in Grants, New Mexico, to parents Raymond and Paula Churchman. He graduated from Dalhart High School in Dalhart, Texas in 1997, where he was actively involved in the school's music program, playing the string bass in the Dalhart private orchestra and the Amarillo Symphony Youth Orchestra. Additionally, he participated in his school's football and baseball teams during his high school years.
During his college years at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, Churchman discovered a passion for canoe racing and earned the nickname "Fuzzy" among his canoe racing friends. He competed in the Texas Water Safari Race from San Marcos to Sea Drift, Texas, achieving top rankings for three years.
Personal Life
In 2010, Churchman married Jody Lynn Black, with whom he had two children, Emily and Tyler. He was a devoted husband and father, actively involved in raising their children and taking them on exciting adventures. Tragically, Jody passed away in 2020.
In October 2023, Churchman married Tisha Simpson. He is survived by his parents, Raymond and Paula Churchman, his children Emily and Tyler, and his sister, Loree, along with her husband, Ed Wilson, and their nieces Hannah and Halee.
Political Career
Churchman ran as a Libertarian Party candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Texas' 17th Congressional District. In the general election held on November 6, 2018, he received 4,440 votes, accounting for 1.9% of the total vote, ultimately losing to the Republican candidate, Bill Flores.
Political Philosophy and Priorities
Churchman's political philosophy was centered around libertarian principles, emphasizing individual liberty, limited government, and fiscal responsibility. His top three priorities, if elected, were:
- Reduce federal spending by eliminating unnecessary and unconstitutional federal programs.
- Take back the power of the Legislative Branch that has been ceded to the other branches of government. It is imperative that we have 3 equal branches.
- Congress should vote to send the American Military into a foreign country.
Churchman was passionate about issues related to the deficit, the size of the federal government, the protection of the Bill of Rights, and addressing excessive regulation and taxation.
Beliefs and Influences
Churchman recommended reading "The Law" by Frédéric Bastiat as a way to understand his political philosophy. He believed in doing what is right over what will win the next election and placed a strong emphasis on individual accountability.