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:	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

Main article: History of the Libertarian Party of New York

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

Main article: Organization of the Libertarian Party of New York

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

Main article: Leadership of the Libertarian Party of New York

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

Main article: List of Libertarian Party of New York State 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

• Free Libertarian Party News
• The Free Press of New York
• Free New York

National Convention Delegates

• New York Delegation to 2022 National Convention

Elections

See: Libertarian Party of New York Historical Election Results

Size and Influence

Main article: Size and Influence of the Libertarian Party of New York

Affiliates

Main article: List of Affiliates of the Libertarian Party of New York

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.

Affiliate	Established	Current Chair	Notes
Brooklyn Libertarian Party	May 17, 2009	Christopher Skelly	Previous: October 16, 1999—June 23, 2001
Chautauqua County Libertarian Party	October 4, 2015	Len Morlock
Chemung County Libertarian Party	October 10, 2019	Craig Colwell
Columbia County Libertarian Party	December 4, 2019	Scott Hoskins
Dutchess County Libertarian Party	March 14, 2021	Catrina Rocco
Erie County Libertarian Party	September 13, 2015	Duane Whitmer
Madison County Libertarian Party	January 11, 2020	Mark Braiman
Manhattan Libertarian Party	August 31, 2000	Chance Haywood
Monroe County Libertarian Party	April 1, 2007	Steve Becker	Previous: April 29, 2000—May 7, 2006
Nassau County Libertarian Party	Before 1999	Blay Tarnoff Jonathan Gunther	Previously existed in the 1970s as Nassau Libertarian Club
Onondaga County Libertarian Party	April 30, 2016	Rachel Becker
Orange County Libertarian Party	July 21, 2019	Juan Ayala
Libertarian Party of Queens County	April 2, 2017	John Clifton	Previous: ?—November 3, 2006
Putnam County Libertarian Party	March 27, 2021	Bill O'Connell
Saratoga County Libertarian Committee	June 16, 2019		Previous interation: December 7, 2014—2016
Schoharie County Libertarian Party	July 28, 2018	Lora Newell
Staten Island Libertarian Party	April 4, 2010	Susan Overeem-Cummings
Suffolk County Libertarian Party	Before 1999	George Ostrowski
Tioga County Libertarian Party	May 9, 2017	Sara Price
Ulster County Libertarian Party	July 21, 2019	Sam Kniffen
Wayne County Libertarian Party	November 8, 2019	Jim Dayton
Yates County Libertarian Party	October 3, 2021	Jeff Bradley

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

External Links

• Official Libertarian Party of New York website