McMahon Issues Statement on his LNC Chair Campaign

I’m grateful that the LNC has entrusted me with the role of Secretary after there was an unexpected vacancy, and it’s been an incredible experience serving as Chair of the Libertarian Party of Indiana since 2021. Long before that, I was deeply involved—running campaigns, serving on party boards, and eventually becoming Executive Director of the Libertarian National Campaign Committee. That job took me all over the country, helping candidates get on the ballot, building county parties from scratch, and teaching people how to make a real difference in their communities.

Fifteen years in this party have shaped who I am. And through every project, every campaign, and every late-night organizing call, one goal has guided me:

To get Libertarians elected to public office by being consistent in our principle and our message.

For more than 50 years, the Libertarian Party’s platform has been a clear, uncompromising defense of individual liberty, voluntary cooperation, and the rights of every person to live their life free from the government boot.

Recently, too many loud and hostile voices in American politics—including some who claim to speak for liberty—have embraced technocracy, nationalism, authoritarianism, and outright fascism.

And the only people with both the conviction and the courage to stop it are Libertarians who still believe in the radical idea that people, not politicians, should run their own lives.

As Chair, my focus will be on:

Returning to our bold, principled Libertarian messaging. Messaging rooted in the platform that has guided our party for decades.

Working to build real channels for member engagement. I want more ways for members to get involved, stay informed, and help shape the direction and focus of the party.

Collaborating with our affiliates and candidates. The national party should empower our state affiliates, county parties, activists, and candidates with resources, training, tools, and consistent support.

Creating a culture where we share and use the best practices from our strongest affiliates. Across the country, Libertarians are earning front page media, running professional campaigns, and recruiting the next generation of Libertarians. We need to learn from each other and stop reinventing the wheel every 4 years.

To accomplish all of this I will need a team of people who are ready and willing to go beyond the duties of the office to take on additional jobs and roles so we can see these projects and goals through. I’ve asked the following outstanding Libertarians to be part of that team and to run alongside me:

Amanda Griffiths for Vice Chair

Jonathan McGee for Secretary

Douglas Knebel for Treasurer

I know Amanda, Jonathan, and Doug and have great respect for each of them. They are all dedicated hard workers who don’t let the balls drop. They each have their own voice and perspective. And like any board, those differences will likely lead to some disagreements, probably even heated from time to time, but I know that each of us will strive to disagree with mutual respect and continue to move the ball forward. The way a professional functioning organization should.

The Libertarian Party belongs to its members, activists, candidates, and affiliates—not to factions, not to personalities, and not to some wannabe “kingmaker”. This is your party and I hope that before we gather in Grand Rapids in May that myself, Amanda, Jonathan, and Doug can earn your trust and your vote to lead this party.

In Liberty,

Evan McMahon