Mark Hinkle

Mark W.A. Hinkle is currently the Chairman of the Libertarian Party. He has served in various positions in the National Libertarian Party and the Libertarian Party of California.

Personal

Mark Hinkle currently lives in Morgan Hill, California with his wife Linda and his son Logan. He runs a small business in the San Francisco South Bay Area that focuses on child safety and drowning prevention.

Entry To The Libertarian Party

Hinkle was one of the small group of people to vote for John Hospers in 1972. In 1974, Mark Hinkle became a member of the Libertarian Party and has remained a life member since then, a total of 37 years.

Libertarian Party of California

Not long after the formation of the National Libertarian Party, the California Chapter was organized. After the California Chapter gained ballot access, Mark Hinkle served as the campaign manager in the first partisan election in which a candidate appeared as a Libertarian on the ballot. The campaign (Bill White for State Senate in 1980) received 13% of the vote. Hinkle went on to serve as the Fund-Raising Chair, Newsletter Chair, Northern Vice-Chair, and went on to serve as Chairman of the California Chapter for a total of 6 years. He served more than 25 years on the California Chapter Executive Committee. From 2008 - 2010, he also served as the Judiciary Committee Chair.

Chairman of California Chapter

During his 6 year tenure as Chairman of the California Chapter of the Libertarian Party, Mark Hinkle greatly increased the size and influence of the state party. The membership tripled and revenue (donations) also tripled. The party's influence in state politics increased and it began to field more candidates across the state. As a result, a record number of Libertarians were elected to office in California via Operation Breakthrough. In addition, a party office was opened and an executive director was hired.

National Libertarian Party

Mark Hinkle has done many volunteer jobs for the National Party and went on to become a member of the Executive Committee. Hinkle served 10 years as either the LNC Regional Representative or the alternate. He also served on the National Platform Committee and in 2010 was elected Chairman of the National Libertarian Party.

Chairman of the Libertarian Party

At the 2010 National Convention in St. Louis, Mark Hinkle was elected Chairman of the Libertarian National Committee (LNC). As Chairman, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Libertarian Party and is head of the LNC.

Electoral History

Mark Hinkle has run for public office a total of 7 times. Hinkle ran for the state legislature 5 times (partisan office) and for 2 non-partisan offices. His best result was in 2008 when he received 9% of the total vote.

Awards

Mark Hinkle has won the Sons of Liberty Award twice for running the most principled partisan race.

Preceded by: Bill Redpath

Libertarian Party National Chair 2010-present

Succeeded by: