Illinois Convention 2026

Drive For 55: The Libertarian Party of Illinois Emerald Anniversary and 2026 State Convention
Convention
Dates:	April 17-18
Location:	Springfield, IL
Venue:	Northfield Inn
← 2024 2027 →

Drive For 55: The Libertarian Party of Illinois Emerald Anniversary and 2026 State Convention

Convention Committee

• Ken Mattes, Chair
• Ray Walden IV, Secretary
• Justin Tucker
• Bob Blair-Smith II
• Matt Piron
• Russ Clark

Keynote Speakers

• Deirdre McCloskey, Cato Institute

• Michael Milkie, Noble Charter Schools
• LyLena Estabine, Illinois Policy Institute

Workshops

• Timothy Niemeyer, Illinois Bitcoin Council
• Loret Newlin, Illinois Separation Movement

Entertainment

• The Power To Move featuring Thomas Quiter

Elections

Governor

• Declared candidates: Taegun Eimer

Lt. Governor

• Declared candidates: Chris Laurent

Attorney General

• Declared candidates:

Secretary of State

• Declared candidates:

Treasurer

• Declared candidates:

Comptroller

• Declared candidates:

United States Senator

• Declared candidates:

National Convention 2026 Delegates

• Ray Walden IV, Delegation Chair
• Jake Leonard, Delegation Vice-Chair, intermediate election
• Ken Mattes, Delegation Whip
• Adam Balling, seated
• Bob Blair-Smith II, seated
• Travis Cartwright, seated
• Matt Cunningham, appointed in absentia, not seated
• Paul DiMasi, seated, intermediate election
• Jim Humay, seated
• Chris Laurent, not seated
• Alexa Maffei, seated, awarded Purple Heart for injuries sustained at national convention
• Matt Piron, not seated
• Thea Tsatsos, seated, intermediate election
• Nico Tsatsoulis, seated
• Justin Tucker, seated, intermediate election
• Henry Wissmiller, seated

• Dan Lewis, added on convention floor and seated
• Michael Murphy, added on convention floor and seated

Awards

• Nico Tsatsoulis, Crispus Attucks Award for Activist of the Year
• Ken Mattes, Edward Bushel Award for Outstanding Service
• Chris Laurent, Jim Waldron Award for Outstanding Local Service
• Michael Murphy, Joshua Flynn Libertarian Leadership Award
• Ray Walden IV, Libertarian Rookie of the Year Award
• Geri Mulso, Tonie Nathan Award
• Alexa Maffei, Outstanding Young Libertarian Award
• Deirdre McCloskey, David Nolan Founders Award