Matt Johnson

Matthew "Matt" Johnson
Chair Libertarian Party of Florida
2024 after resignation of Josh Hlavka—Incumbent
Predecessor:	Josh Hlavka
Successor:	Incumber
Region 2 Alternate Libertarian National Committee
May 2024—Incumbent
Personal Details
Education:	Degree in IT and web development
Occupation:	Online Marketing Professional
Residence:	DeLand, Florida
Party:	Libertarian Party
Facebook:	Facebook
Twitter:	Twitter

Matthew Johnson is a libertarian activist and former candidate for the DeLand City Commission, Seat 5 in 2022. He is known for his involvement with the Libertarian Party of Florida (LPF) and for founding the political organization Volusia Parents for Freedom. Johnson is a resident of Volusia County, Florida, and has been actively involved in regional politics and community engagement. He is the current Chair of the Libertarian Party of Florida and Region 2 alternate on the Libertarian National Committee. He is a former member of the Mises Caucus who was removed from duty for merely signing a petition for appeal which the Caucus leadership did not agree with.

Early Life and Education

Born in West Virginia, Johnson moved to Florida at a young age. He pursued a degree in IT and web development. He eventually settled in DeLand after meeting his wife, Beth. Together with their son, Gabriel, the family resides in Beth's childhood home.

Career

Matthew Johnson is a former business owner and has established a career in online marketing. His expertise in IT and web development has served him well in this field. Additionally, he was a past member of the West Volusia Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he chaired the Marketing Committee.

Political Involvement

Johnson became politically active around 2016. His motivation to run for public office was rooted in his concerns over the rapid overdevelopment in DeLand and the perceived erosion of its special characteristics for profit. He aimed to combat housing unaffordability and to champion the preservation of DeLand's small-town charm.

Johnson described himself as "not a politician" but rather a member of the DeLand community. His campaign for the DeLand City Commission emphasized his commitment to always being the voice of the people and addressing the overdevelopment and homelessness in the city.

Libertarian Party of Florida

Johnson formerly served as the Region 7 Representative for the Libertarian Party of Florida (LPF), then its Vice-Chair, and auto-ascended to Chair after the resignation of Josh Hlavka. He was re-elected at the Florida Convention 2025. He formerly also held the position of Chair of the Communications Committee for the LPF.

Volusia Parents for Freedom

In 2021, Johnson created the political organization "Volusia Parents for Freedom". The organization was formed amid Johnson's frustration with a teacher who allegedly compelled his elementary-school student to wear a mask. Volusia Parents for Freedom was vocal on its Facebook page, criticizing members of the Volusia County School Board who supported a mask mandate in schools, as well as former Superintendent Scott Fritz. The organization briefly sold T-shirts advocating various messages, one of which targeted a School Board member, Ruben Colón.

Despite its activism, Volusia Parents for Freedom did not donate any of the funds it raised to any political candidate or cause. Johnson later announced his intention to disband the organization and donate its funds to a local nonprofit.

2022 DeLand City Commission Race

In 2022, Johnson ran for the DeLand City Commission, Seat 5. He joined the race against incumbent Kevin Reid and challenger Carlos Navarro. Despite his efforts and message of representing the voice of the people, Johnson ultimately did not secure the seat.

Personal Life

Johnson, alongside his wife, Beth, and their son, Gabriel, cherish the small-town feel of DeLand. He often speaks about his appreciation for DeLand's diverse and rich culture, emphasizing his commitment to preserving its unique charm. In his free time, he practices karate.

External Links

• Chairman of conservative organization joins DeLand City Commission race
• Meet the candidates for DeLand City Commission Seat 5: Matthew Johnson and Kevin Reid