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// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did the Libertarian Party of Washington say to the taxman? "Free to go.

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Libertarian Party of Washington
ChairpersonC. Michael Pickens[1]
Founded1972
IdeologyLibertarianism
National affiliationLibertarian Party (United States)
Colors  Gold
Washington Senate
0 / 49
Washington House of Representatives
0 / 98
U.S. Senate (Washington)
0 / 2
U.S. House of Representatives (Washington)
0 / 10
Other elected officials1 (June 2024)[2]
Website
www.lpwa.org

The Libertarian Party of Washington (LPWA) is the Washington state affiliate of the Libertarian Party.[3] Founded in 1972, the party advocates individual liberty, limited government, and free markets.[4]

The party's stated purposes include endorsing Libertarian candidates in Washington, coordinating regional organizations, selecting delegates to national Libertarian conventions, and supporting ballot access for the national party's presidential ticket.[5]

Principles and policy positions

[edit]

The party's statement of principles emphasizes individual autonomy, freedom of speech, private property, and voluntary exchange, and opposes the initiation of force. Its membership requirements include endorsing a statement rejecting the initiation of force to achieve political or social goals.[6]

According to its published platform summary, the party supports school choice, criminal justice reform concerning victimless conduct, market-based healthcare, and environmental protection through property rights, voluntary action, and market incentives.[7]

History of the Libertarian Party in Washington State

[edit]

Founding

[edit]

The Libertarian Party of Washington was founded in 1972.[8] H. W. "Skip" Barron's biography in Washington's 1974 voters' pamphlet identified him as the party's founder and state chairman.[9]

[edit]

The party challenged Washington's requirements for minor-party access to the ballot in Libertarian Party of Washington v. Munro. The lawsuit concerned procedures requiring minor-party candidates to announce their candidacies earlier than major-party candidates, as well as differences in the rules for filling vacancies on party tickets. In July 1994, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the challenged procedures.[10]

In 2005, the party joined the Washington Republican and Democratic parties in litigation challenging Initiative 872, which established the state's top-two primary system. The parties argued that allowing candidates to identify a party preference without that party's endorsement infringed their freedom of association. In Washington State Grange v. Washington State Republican Party, the United States Supreme Court rejected the facial constitutional challenge in March 2008.[11]

The party also participated in litigation concerning same-sex marriage. Together with the Log Cabin Republicans of Washington, it submitted an amicus brief in Andersen v. King County supporting marriage rights for same-sex couples. The Washington Supreme Court upheld the state's prohibition on same-sex marriage in 2006.[12][13]

Organizational changes

[edit]

At its May 31, 2014 convention, the party replaced its executive committee and elected C. Michael Pickens as chairman, Chris Strong as vice chairman, Sean Treasure as treasurer, and Steven Nielson as secretary. The reorganization replaced five at-large representatives with seven regional representatives and changed leadership terms from two years to one. Regional representatives were assigned responsibility for establishing county organizations within their respective regions.[14]

Recent developments

[edit]

In April 2024, the party held its annual convention at the Woman's Club of Spokane. Reporting on the convention, The Inlander described a decline in dues-paying membership to approximately 180, compared with approximately 400 in 2020, according to outgoing chair Anna Duque.[15]

Before the March 2026 convention in Ruston, proposals were introduced to dissolve the party and revise its organizational purpose.[16] According to the party's April newsletter, the dissolution motion failed, delegates adopted an amended purpose statement, and Pickens returned as chairman. The adopted changes permitted community and educational activities outside electoral politics while retaining support for ballot access for the national party's presidential ticket.[17][18]

Later in 2026, the party described its membership as growing and promoted recruitment through its website, volunteer programs, and local affiliates.[19] Its October newsletter invited members to help organize committees for membership recruitment, convention planning, candidate support, and bylaws review.[20]

In March 2026, the party revived its monthly newsletter, The Washington Libertarian, following a hiatus. Monthly issues continued through October, with coverage of party business, local events, public policy, and commentary from members. The publication was made available through the party's website in PDF format, with later issues also offered as online articles. The party recruited volunteers to contribute writing, photography, artwork, editing, and local reports.[21][20]

The party used its social media accounts to publicize events and distribute updates, alongside its website and newsletter.[22] Its online outreach also included a Discord community and a Reddit forum, r/LPWA, announced in July 2026 for discussion of Washington issues, local activities, and opportunities to participate.[23][24]

Youth outreach included a dedicated website page for Young Libertarians of Washington, linking to the group's Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.[25]

Local activities during 2026 included recurring county meetups, public forums, and social gatherings. The October newsletter listed meetings in Skagit, Kitsap, Thurston, Spokane, Clark, and Pierce counties, and reported on a camping trip and events with former Libertarian presidential nominee Chase Oliver in Burien and Mountlake Terrace.[20]

Election History

[edit]

1972 elections

[edit]

The Libertarian Party of Washington was founded in 1972.[26] In that year's general election, the national Libertarian presidential ticket of John Hospers and Tonie Nathan received 1,537 votes (0.10%) in Washington. David Odden received 154 votes (0.51%) for House position 1 in the 36th legislative district.

1974 elections

[edit]

Richard R. Dyment received 697 votes (3.21%) for House position 1 in the 36th legislative district, finishing behind incumbent Helen Sommers and Republican Edward Lubin. Contemporary reporting in Reason also identified Skip Barron as a Libertarian legislative candidate and reported that he received approximately 12% of the vote.

1976 elections

[edit]

Richard K. Kenney received 19,373 votes (1.30%) for the U.S. Senate, while Maurice W. Willey received 4,133 votes (0.27%) for governor. Libertarian congressional candidates included Alan M. Gottlieb, who received 4,230 votes (1.88%) in the 1st district, and D. E. Bear Sandahl, who received 1,959 votes (0.94%) in the 5th district. The presidential ticket of Roger MacBride and David Bergland received 5,042 votes (0.32%) in Washington.

1977 elections

[edit]

Richard K. Kenney was listed as a Libertarian congressional candidate in Washington in 1977.

1978 elections

[edit]

John H. Addison ran as the Libertarian candidate in Washington's 1st congressional district. He received 3,545 votes, finishing behind Republican incumbent Joel Pritchard and Democrat Janice Niemi.

1980 elections

[edit]

The Libertarian presidential ticket of Ed Clark and David Koch received 29,213 votes in Washington. In congressional races, Maurice Willey received 8,229 votes in the 1st district and William L. McCord received 9,047 votes in the 2nd district. Neither congressional candidate was elected.

1982 elections

[edit]

Libertarian legislative candidates included H. W. (Skip) Barron, who received 1,160 votes (3.48%) for the State Senate in the 36th district; Phyllis R. Clark, who received 1,027 votes (5.05%) for House position 1 in the 29th district; and John Trinnes, who received 526 votes (2.73%) for House position 2 in the same district. None won their contests.

1984 elections

[edit]

The Libertarian presidential ticket headed by David Bergland received 8,844 votes (0.47%) in Washington. Dan Blachly received 2,953 votes (1.57%) in the 6th congressional district, finishing third behind incumbent Norm Dicks and Republican Michael H. Lonergan.

1986 elections

[edit]

Karen Allard received 787 votes for House position 1 in the 26th legislative district. Democrat Ron Meyers won with 15,016 votes, ahead of Republican Cathy Shaffer's 13,479 votes.

1988 elections

[edit]

The Libertarian presidential ticket headed by Ron Paul received 17,240 votes (0.92%) in Washington.[27]

1990 elections

[edit]

William L. McCord received 15,165 votes (8.25%) in the 2nd congressional district, finishing third behind incumbent Democrat Al Swift and Republican Doug Smith.[28]

1992 elections

[edit]

The Libertarian presidential ticket headed by Andre Marrou received 7,533 votes (0.33%) in Washington. Jim Horrigan received 4,075 votes (1.71%) in the 6th congressional district, finishing behind incumbent Norm Dicks, Republican Lauri J. Phillips, and independent Tom Donnelly.[29]

1994 elections

[edit]

John Gearhart received 6,386 votes (21.24%) for House position 1 in the 9th legislative district. Republican incumbent Larry Sheahan won with 23,676 votes (78.76%).[30]

1995 elections

[edit]

Art Rathjen contested the special election for the State Senate in the 43rd legislative district. Contemporary reporting put his share at approximately 10%. The same report identified Jim Campton as a Libertarian candidate for the Federal Way City Council and reported that he received approximately 22% of the vote.[31]

1996 elections

[edit]

Arthur (Art) Rathjen received 39,277 votes (1.84%) for lieutenant governor, and Richard Shepard received 58,672 votes (2.75%) for attorney general. Neither was elected. The presidential ticket of Harry Browne and Jo Jorgensen received 12,522 votes (0.56%) in Washington.[32]

1997 elections

[edit]

John Gearhart was elected to the Palouse City Council in an uncontested nonpartisan race. A contemporary Libertarian publication identified his election as one of the party's local victories.[33]

1998 elections

[edit]

Mike Harrington ran for House position 1 in the 8th legislative district. A compilation of official primary returns submitted in federal court recorded 2,105 primary votes (13.04%) for Harrington, identifying him as a Libertarian.[34]

1999 elections

[edit]

Ballot Access News reported five Libertarian victories in nonpartisan local races in Washington: Mark Taff and Eva Hart for the Colville City Council, Mike Hihn for a water commissioner position in King County, and Heidi Duty and Morgan Duty for cemetery board positions in Spokane.[35]

2000 elections

[edit]

Jeff Jared received 64,734 votes (2.63%) for the U.S. Senate, and the presidential ticket of Harry Browne and Art Olivier received 13,135 votes (0.53%) in Washington. Libertarians also contested eight state executive offices. Ruth E. Bennett received 179,567 votes (7.81%) for lieutenant governor, Steve Layman received 125,985 (5.40%) for commissioner of public lands, and Chris Caputo received 123,058 (5.47%) for auditor.[36]

2000 state executive general-election results
Candidate Office Votes Vote share
Steve W. LePage Governor 47,819 1.94%
Ruth E. Bennett Lieutenant governor 179,567 7.81%
J. Bradley Gibson Secretary of state 94,202 4.13%
Tim Perman Treasurer 96,910 4.27%
Richard Shepard Attorney general 90,941 3.94%
Steve Layman Commissioner of public lands 125,985 5.40%
Mike Hihn Insurance commissioner 92,185 4.19%
Chris Caputo Auditor 123,058 5.47%

2001 elections

[edit]

Michael Enquist and Thomas Kinnebrew ran as Libertarians in legislative special elections. Enquist received 516 votes (1.59%) for House position 2 in the 21st district, and Kinnebrew received 779 votes (2.76%) for House position 2 in the 38th district. In Snohomish County Council races, Frank V. Ball Sr. received 1,006 votes (2.96%) in district 1, and Don Polson received 1,085 votes (3.32%) in district 5. None was elected.[37]

2002 elections

[edit]

Seven Libertarian candidates appeared in Washington's congressional general elections. Rob Chase received 10,379 votes (5.13%) in the 5th district, and Bruce Guthrie received 4,326 votes (2.14%) in the 2nd district. None of the seven won a seat.[38]

2002 congressional general-election results
District Candidate Votes Vote share
1 Mark B. Wilson 6,251 3.05%
2 Bruce Guthrie 4,326 2.14%
5 Rob Chase 10,379 5.13%
6 John A. Bennett 8,744 4.45%
7 Stan Lippmann 8,447 4.00%
8 Mark A. Taff 5,771 2.84%
9 J. Mills 4,759 2.91%

2003 elections

[edit]

Ballot Access News reported that one Libertarian won a nonpartisan local election in Washington on November 4, 2003.[39]

2004 elections

[edit]

Ruth Bennett received 63,464 votes in the gubernatorial election after the recounts.[40] J. S. Mills received 34,055 votes (1.21%) for the U.S. Senate.[41] The presidential ticket of Michael Badnarik and Richard Campagna received 11,955 votes (0.42%) in Washington.[42]

2005 elections

[edit]

Judi Roberts Fiest ran as a Libertarian in the special election for House position 1 in the 19th legislative district. The certified returns recorded 1,687 votes for Fiest, 12,807 for Republican Dawn Courtney, and 21,763 for winning Democratic incumbent Dean Takko.[43]

2006 elections

[edit]

Bruce Guthrie received 29,331 votes (1.41%) for the U.S. Senate. Incumbent Democrat Maria Cantwell won reelection.[44]

2008 elections

[edit]

Ruth Bennett received 5,017 votes (10.56%) for House position 2 in the 37th legislative district, losing to incumbent Eric Pettigrew.[45] John H. Beck received 3,673 votes (2.14%) in the primary for the 5th congressional district and did not advance.[46] The presidential ticket of Bob Barr and Wayne Allyn Root received 12,728 votes (0.42%) in Washington.[47]

2010 elections

[edit]

The national Libertarian Party included incumbent Richard B. Sanders on its published list of candidates in the 2010 election. His race for Washington Supreme Court position 6 was nonpartisan.[48] Sanders received 971,803 votes (49.66%) in the certified general-election results, losing to Charlie Wiggins, who received 984,948 votes (50.34%).[49]

2012 elections

[edit]

The Libertarian presidential ticket of Gary Johnson and James P. Gray received 42,202 votes (1.35%) in Washington.[50]

2013 elections

[edit]

Sean Olson appeared on the primary ballot for Snohomish County Council district 1 with the preference "Ind. Libertarian Party". He received 1,153 votes (5.87%), finishing fifth and not advancing to the general election.[51]

2014 elections

[edit]

Eight candidates listing a Libertarian preference contested legislative general elections. Steven Nielson received 9,734 votes (28.16%) for House position 2 in the 2nd district, and David A. Steenson received 12,838 votes (33.05%) for House position 1 in the 19th district. None of the eight was elected.[52]

2014 legislative general-election results
District and House position Candidate Votes Vote share
2, position 2 Steven Nielson 9,734 28.16%
3, position 2 Paul Delaney 9,935 30.53%
7, position 1 James R. Apker 9,528 20.20%
10, position 1 Michael Scott 11,544 23.72%
19, position 1 David A. Steenson 12,838 33.05%
36, position 2 Paul Addis 7,472 13.84%
38, position 2 Elijah Olson 9,957 32.97%
48, position 2 Tim Turner 11,049 30.81%

2015 elections

[edit]

Candidates identified as Libertarians in contemporary reporting included Barbara Brenner and Joshua Penner.[53] Brenner won reelection to Whatcom County Council district 3, position B, receiving 39,852 votes as the only named candidate.[54] Penner won Orting City Council position 6 with 754 votes (58.40%), defeating Arlene Dannat, and also won Pierce County Charter Review Commission district 1, position 3, with 10,613 votes (56.45%).[55] Former party chair C. Michael Pickens reported that the party supported 17 campaigns in 2015 and that five newly elected Libertarians won office.[56]

2016 elections

[edit]

Joshua B. Trumbull advanced to the general election for attorney general and received 979,105 votes (32.86%), losing to incumbent Bob Ferguson.[57] In other statewide primaries, Paul Addis received 26,304 votes (1.99%) for lieutenant governor, Tim Turner received 80,570 (5.98%) for secretary of state, Steven M. Nielson received 63,056 (4.84%) for commissioner of public lands, and Justin Murta received 99,181 (7.50%) for insurance commissioner. Each listed a Libertarian preference; none of these four advanced.[58] Mike Luke received 20,988 votes (1.52%) in the U.S. Senate primary and did not advance.[59] The presidential ticket of Gary Johnson and Bill Weld received 160,879 votes in Washington.[60]

Ten candidates listing a Libertarian preference reached legislative general elections; none won.[61]

2016 legislative general-election results
Office and district Candidate Votes Vote share
Senate, 3 James R. Apker 16,395 32.68%
Senate, 11 Dennis Price 12,010 23.64%
House, 3, position 1 Randy McGlenn II 16,260 32.69%
House, 7, position 2 Mike Foster 14,946 23.14%
House, 10, position 1 Michael Scott 18,778 28.05%
House, 21, position 1 Alex Hels 16,639 27.81%
House, 31, position 1 John Frostad 16,976 28.41%
House, 46, position 1 Stephanie Heart Viskovich 11,371 15.12%
House, 48, position 1 Michelle Darnell 16,824 29.88%
House, 48, position 2 Benjamin Judah Phelps 15,302 27.36%

2017 elections

[edit]

Michelle Darnell and Ciaran Dougherty advanced to the general election in special elections in the 48th legislative district. Darnell received 9,553 votes (31.05%) for the State Senate, losing to Patty Kuderer; Dougherty received 7,812 votes (25.91%) for House position 1, losing to Vandana Slatter.[62][63]

2017 legislative special elections
Candidate Office Primary votes (%) General-election votes (%) Outcome
Michelle Darnell State Senate, district 48 5,469 (22.97%) 9,553 (31.05%) Lost general election
Ciaran Dougherty State House, district 48, position 1 5,222 (22.60%) 7,812 (25.91%) Lost general election

In nonpartisan local elections, the national Libertarian Party identified Kevin Cline, Paul Addis, Ed Pace, and James Blair as Libertarian candidates.[64] Cline won Long Beach City Council position 4 with 209 votes (58.87%).[65] Addis, Pace, and Blair lost their respective council races.[66][67] Libertarian Casey Carlisle also ran for mayor of Seattle, receiving 1,309 votes (0.71%) in the primary and failing to advance.[68][62]

Documented 2017 local candidacies
Candidate Office Election stage Votes Percentage Outcome
Kevin Cline Long Beach City Council, position 4 General 209 58.87% Elected
Paul Addis Kent City Council, position 2 General 7,605 42.43% Lost
Ed Pace Spokane Valley City Council, position 4 General 6,658 41.38% Lost
James Blair Yelm City Council, position 7 General 556 46.72% Lost
Casey Carlisle Mayor of Seattle Primary 1,309 0.71% Did not advance

2018 elections

[edit]

The 2018 primary included nine legislative candidates and three federal candidates who stated a Libertarian Party preference.[69][70] Brian Luke finished second in the six-candidate primary for the 2nd congressional district and advanced to the general election, where he received 84,646 votes (28.71%) against incumbent Rick Larsen.[71] Allen Acosta, Bryan Simonson, Sydney Gillman Wissel, and Matt Dubin also reached the legislative general election; all four lost.[72]

2018 Libertarian legislative and federal candidates
Candidate Office Primary votes (%) General-election votes (%) Outcome
Mike Luke U.S. Senate 12,302 (0.72%) Did not advance Lost primary
Brian Luke U.S. House, district 2 12,320 (7.87%) 84,646 (28.71%) Lost general election
Richard Travis Reyes U.S. House, district 8 1,154 (0.68%) Did not advance Lost primary
Matt Seymour State House, district 1, position 2 2,121 (5.91%) Did not advance Lost primary
Ryan Cooper State Senate, district 8 1,615 (5.14%) Did not advance Lost primary
Allen Acosta State House, district 22, position 2 8,321 (22.64%) 20,151 (30.34%) Lost general election
Charles Schaefer State Senate, district 33 1,629 (6.73%) Did not advance Lost primary
Bryan Simonson State Senate, district 36 5,389 (10.63%) 9,707 (10.97%) Lost general election
Sydney Gillman Wissel State House, district 36, position 1 5,448 (10.87%) 9,958 (11.38%) Lost general election
Matt Dubin State House, district 36, position 2 6,644 (13.17%) 12,205 (13.93%) Lost general election
Nathaniel Deily State House, district 41, position 1 818 (2.04%) Did not advance Lost primary
Jeremy Fitch State Senate, district 44 1,365 (3.86%) Did not advance Lost primary

2019 elections

[edit]

James Blair, whom the national Libertarian Party had identified as a Libertarian candidate in 2017, was elected to Yelm City Council position 1 in 2019.[64] He received 693 votes (50.84%), defeating incumbent EJ Curry, who received 663 votes (48.64%).[73]

2020 elections

[edit]

In 2020, Libertarian presidential nominees Jo Jorgensen and Jeremy "Spike" Cohen received 80,500 votes (1.97%) in Washington.[74] Twelve candidates stated a Libertarian preference in the state executive, congressional, and legislative primaries.[75][76][77] Anthony Welti received 324,921 votes (13.67%) for insurance commissioner, finishing third and failing to advance.[75] Brett Borden, Marliza Melzer, and David Wiley reached the legislative general election, receiving 16,091 votes (24.67%), 15,123 (25.98%), and 20,810 (32.20%), respectively. All three lost.[78]

2020 Libertarian state and congressional candidates
Candidate Office Primary votes (%) General-election votes (%) Outcome
Jared Frerichs Lieutenant governor 20,847 (0.87%) Did not advance Lost primary
Matt Seymour Lieutenant governor 27,125 (1.14%) Did not advance Lost primary
Kelsey Reyes Commissioner of public lands 77,407 (3.27%) Did not advance Lost primary
Anthony Welti Insurance commissioner 324,921 (13.67%) Did not advance Lost primary
Steven Skelton U.S. House, district 1 7,286 (2.73%) Did not advance Lost primary
Ryan Cooper U.S. House, district 4 4,080 (2.30%) Did not advance Lost primary
Jorge Besada U.S. House, district 9 4,792 (2.42%) Did not advance Lost primary
Brett Borden State House, district 9, position 1 7,889 (21.00%) 16,091 (24.67%) Lost general election
Allen Acosta State House, district 22, position 1 3,004 (5.15%) Did not advance Lost primary
Marliza Melzer State House, district 33, position 2 7,159 (22.45%) 15,123 (25.98%) Lost general election
Jorge Garrido State House, district 38, position 1 2,068 (5.24%) Did not advance Lost primary
David Wiley State House, district 38, position 2 11,568 (30.91%) 20,810 (32.20%) Lost general election

2022 elections

[edit]

David Wiley ran for State House district 38, position 2, receiving 1,004 votes (3.25%) in the primary.[79] Justin Greywolf ran for the U.S. House in the 8th congressional district and received 1,518 votes (0.74%). Neither advanced to the general election.[80]

2023 elections

[edit]

Former state party chair Randy McGlenn II contested Spokane City Council district 3, position 1, in the 2023 nonpartisan primary.[81] He received 772 votes (4.09%), finishing sixth among the named candidates and failing to advance.[82] Alan Rubio, identified by The Everett Herald as a Libertarian Party member in 2023, ran for Alderwood Water and Wastewater District commissioner position 3.[83] He received 4,074 votes (13.46%) and did not advance.[84]

2024 elections

[edit]

Libertarian presidential nominees Chase Oliver and Mike ter Maat received 16,428 votes (0.42%) in Washington in 2024.[85] Michael DePaula ran for governor, receiving 3,957 votes (0.20%) in the primary and failing to advance.[86] Four candidates stated a Libertarian preference in legislative races.[87] Justin Greywolf and Matt McCally reached the general election, receiving 12,508 votes (22.16%) and 6,115 votes (8.51%), respectively. Both lost to Democratic incumbents.[88]

2024 Libertarian state candidates
Candidate Office Primary votes (%) General-election votes (%) Outcome
Michael DePaula Governor 3,957 (0.20%) Did not advance Lost primary
Justin Greywolf State House, district 11, position 2 4,607 (18.19%) 12,508 (22.16%) Lost general election
Justin Franks State House, district 19, position 2 1,469 (3.43%) Did not advance Lost primary
Bruce Guthrie State House, district 21, position 2 3,555 (10.19%) Did not advance Lost primary
Matt McCally State House, district 37, position 2 1,972 (5.53%) 6,115 (8.51%) Lost general election

2025 elections

[edit]

The party endorsed members Cobi Clark for Auburn City Council position 6 and Alan Rubio for Everett City Council district 4 in the 2025 nonpartisan elections.[89] Both advanced to the general election. Clark received 5,588 votes (40.93%) across King and Pierce counties, losing to Lisa Stirgus, who received 8,000 votes (58.60%).[90] Rubio received 997 votes (47.27%), losing to Luis Burbano, who received 1,104 votes (52.35%).[91]

Documented 2025 Libertarian local candidates
Candidate Office Primary votes (%) General-election votes (%) Outcome
Cobi Clark Auburn City Council, position 6 2,841 (28.67%)[92] 5,588 (40.93%) Lost general election
Alan Rubio Everett City Council, district 4 497 (33.07%)[93] 997 (47.27%) Lost general election

2026 elections

[edit]

In 2026, the party listed Cobi Clark as a candidate for the Washington House of Representatives in the 47th legislative district, position 1, and Bruce Guthrie in the 21st legislative district, position 2.[94]

Clark finished second in the August 4 primary with 8,361 votes (29.87%), behind incumbent Debra Entenman, who received 10,619 votes (37.94%).[95] Guthrie also advanced to the general election, against incumbent Lillian Ortiz-Self.[96]

Organization and leadership

[edit]

The party is governed by bylaws and a State Executive Committee. Its bylaws provide for a chair, vice chair, secretary, treasurer, and representatives elected from the party membership, as well as an annual state convention.[97]

State Executive Committee

[edit]

As of October 2026, the party lists the following committee members, with terms expiring at its 2027 convention:[98]

State Executive Committee, October 2026
Position Name
Chair C. Michael Pickens
Vice chair Toni Kelley
Secretary Kenton Gartrell
Treasurer J. Data Logan
At-large member James Holcomb
At-large member Robert McGee
At-large member Sam Sheehan
At-large member Nehemiah Västinsalo

Elected / Appointed Officials

[edit]
Elected and Appointed Officials identified as Libertarian Party Members
Title Name Location Partisan / Non-Partisan
Port Commissioner Nicholas M. MoorePort of EphrataNon-Partisan
City Council Don MyersMoses LakeNon-Partisan

County parties

[edit]
  • Adams County -
  • Asotin County -
  • Benton County -
  • Chelan County -
  • Clallam County -
  • Clark County -
  • Columbia County -
  • Cowlitz County -
  • Douglas County -
  • Ferry County -
  • Franklin County -
  • Garfield County -
  • Grant -
  • Grays Harbor -
  • Island County -
  • Jefferson County -
  • King County - Facebook
  • Kitsap County - Facebook
  • Kittitas County -
  • Klickitat County -
  • Lewis County -
  • Lincoln County -
  • Mason County -
  • Okanogan County -
  • Pacific County -
  • Pend Oreille County -
  • Pierce County - Facebook
  • San Juan County -
  • Skagit County Facebook
  • Skamania County
  • Snohomish County - Facebook
  • Spokane County - Facebook
  • Stevens County -
  • Thurston County - Facebook
  • Wahkiakum County -
  • Walla Walla County -
  • Whatcom County -
  • Whitman County -
  • Yakima -

Detailed electoral performance

[edit]

Presidential

[edit]

The following table shows the Libertarian presidential ticket’s results in Washington. Changes are in percentage points compared with the preceding presidential election, using the displayed rounded percentages. Positions are among named tickets and exclude aggregated write-in totals.

Election year Vote share Change (percentage points) Votes Presidential candidate Vice-presidential candidate Position Reference
1972 0.10% N/A 1,537 John Hospers Tonie Nathan 5th [99]
1976 0.32% +0.22 5,042 Roger MacBride David Bergland 6th [100]
1980 1.68% +1.36 29,213 Ed Clark David Koch 4th [101]
1984 0.47% −1.21 8,844 David Bergland James A. Lewis 3rd [102]
1988 0.92% +0.45 17,240 Ron Paul Andre Marrou 3rd [103]
1992 0.33% −0.59 7,533 Andre Marrou Nancy Lord 4th [104]
1996 0.56% +0.23 12,522 Harry Browne Jo Jorgensen 5th [105]
2000 0.53% −0.03 13,135 Harry Browne Art Olivier 4th [106]
2004 0.42% −0.11 11,955 Michael Badnarik Richard Campagna 4th [107]
2008 0.42% 0.00 12,728 Bob Barr Wayne Allyn Root 4th [108]
2012 1.35% +0.93 42,202 Gary Johnson Jim Gray 3rd [109]
2016 4.85% +3.50 160,879 Gary Johnson Bill Weld 3rd [110]
2020 1.97% −2.88 80,500 Jo Jorgensen Spike Cohen 3rd [111]
2024 0.42% −1.55 16,428 Chase Oliver Mike ter Maat 5th [112]

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ "LPWA Leadership". Libertarian Party of Washington. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  2. ↑ "Elected Officials". Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  3. ↑ "State Affiliates". Libertarian Party. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  4. ↑ "About". Libertarian Party of Washington. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  5. ↑ "Bylaws of the Libertarian Party of Washington State". Libertarian Party of Washington. 2026-03-28. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  6. ↑ "Bylaws of the Libertarian Party of Washington State". Libertarian Party of Washington. 2026-03-28. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  7. ↑ "Our Platform". Libertarian Party of Washington. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  8. ↑ "About the LPWA". Libertarian Party of Washington. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  9. ↑ 1974 State of Washington Voters' Pamphlet (PDF) (Report). Washington Secretary of State. 1974. p. 36. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  10. ↑ "Libertarian Party of Washington v. Munro, 31 F.3d 759 (9th Cir. 1994)". Justia. 1994-07-14. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  11. ↑ "Washington State Grange v. Washington State Republican Party, 552 U.S. 442 (2008)". Justia. 2008-03-18. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  12. ↑ "Andersen v. King County". Lambda Legal. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  13. ↑ "Amici Curiae Brief of the Libertarian Party of Washington State; Log Cabin Republicans of Washington" (PDF). Lambda Legal. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  14. ↑ Pyeatt, Jill (2014-06-22). "Libertarian Party of Washington Replaces Entire Executive Committee at Convention". Independent Political Report. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  15. ↑ Sanford, Nate (2024-04-18). "Live and Let Live". The Inlander. pp. 8, 10. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  16. ↑ Evans, Jordan Willow (2026-03-21). "Libertarian Party of Washington State to Consider Dissolution, Purpose Change at Convention". Independent Political Report. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  17. ↑ "2026 Convention Update" (PDF). The Washington Libertarian. Libertarian Party of Washington. April 2026. pp. 1–2. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  18. ↑ "Bylaws of the Libertarian Party of Washington State". Libertarian Party of Washington. 2026-03-28. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  19. ↑ Cite error: The named reference LPWAAbout2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  20. 1 2 3 "The Washington Libertarian: October 2026". The Washington Libertarian. Libertarian Party of Washington. October 2026. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  21. ↑ "Newsletter". Libertarian Party of Washington. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  22. ↑ "The Washington Libertarian: March 2026" (PDF). The Washington Libertarian. Libertarian Party of Washington. March 2026. pp. 2, 9. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  23. ↑ "Libertarian Party of Washington". Libertarian Party of Washington. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  24. ↑ "Join LPWA Reddit". Reddit. 2026-07-01. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  25. ↑ "Young Libertarians of Washington". Libertarian Party of Washington. Retrieved 2026-10-06.
  26. ↑ "About". Libertarian Party of Washington. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  27. ↑ "Federal Elections 1988" (PDF). Federal Election Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  28. ↑ "Federal Elections 1990" (PDF). Federal Election Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  29. ↑ "Federal Elections 1992" (PDF). Federal Election Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  30. ↑ "1994 General Election Results". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  31. ↑ "The Post Dispatch, November 22, 1995" (PDF). The Post Dispatch. 1995-11-22. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  32. ↑ "1996 General Election Results". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  33. ↑ "Libertarian election victories" (PDF). Minnesota Libertarian. 1997-12. Retrieved 2026-10-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  34. ↑ Richard Winger (2010-09-13). "Expert Declaration of Richard Winger in Support of Opposition to Washington State and State Grange Motions for Summary Judgment" (PDF). United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. p. 32. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  35. ↑ "Ballot Access News, December 1, 1999: Non-Partisan Election Victories". Ballot Access News. 1999-12-01. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  36. ↑ "2000 General Election Results". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  37. ↑ "November 6, 2001 General Election Results". Snohomish County Auditor. pp. 6–7. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  38. ↑ "Federal Elections 2002: U.S. House of Representatives Results" (PDF). Federal Election Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  39. ↑ "Ballot Access News, December 1, 2003: Four Minor Parties Win Elections". Ballot Access News. 2003-12-01. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  40. ↑ "Appellants' Opening Brief" (PDF). United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. 2011-06-21. p. 34. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  41. ↑ "Federal Elections 2004: U.S. Senate and U.S. House Results" (PDF). Federal Election Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  42. ↑ "Federal Elections 2004: Presidential Results" (PDF). Federal Election Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  43. ↑ "Senate Journal, 2006 Regular Session, First Day: Certification of 2005 Election Results". Washington State Legislature. 2006-01-09. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  44. ↑ "Federal Elections 2006: U.S. Senate Results" (PDF). Federal Election Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  45. ↑ "November 4, 2008 General Election Results: Legislative". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  46. ↑ "August 19, 2008 Primary Election Results: Federal". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  47. ↑ "November 4, 2008 General Election Results: President/Vice President". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  48. ↑ "Libertarian election results". Libertarian Party. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  49. ↑ "November 2, 2010 General Election Results: Supreme Court, Justice Position 6". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  50. ↑ "November 6, 2012 General Election Results: President/Vice President". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  51. ↑ "August 6, 2013 Primary Election Results: Snohomish County". Snohomish County Auditor. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  52. ↑ "November 4, 2014 General Election Results: Legislative". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  53. ↑ Andy Craig (2015-11-04). "Eleven Libertarians elected to office on Tuesday in three states". Independent Political Report. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  54. ↑ "November 3, 2015 General Election Results: Whatcom County". Whatcom County Auditor. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  55. ↑ "November 3, 2015 General Election Results: Pierce County". Pierce County Elections. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  56. ↑ C. Michael Pickens (2016-01-03). "C. Michael Pickens: Libertarian Wins in Washington State". Independent Political Report. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  57. ↑ "November 8, 2016 General Election Results: Attorney General". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  58. ↑ "August 2, 2016 Primary Election Results: State Executive". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  59. ↑ "August 2, 2016 Primary Election Results: Federal". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  60. ↑ "November 8, 2016 General Election Results: President/Vice President". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  61. ↑ "November 8, 2016 General Election Results: Legislative". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  62. 1 2 "August 1, 2017 Primary Election Results: King County". King County Elections. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  63. ↑ "November 7, 2017 General Election Results: King County". King County Elections. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  64. 1 2 "Election updates for November 2017". Libertarian Party. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  65. ↑ "November 7, 2017 General Election Results: Pacific County". Pacific County Elections. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  66. ↑ "November 7, 2017 General Election Results: Spokane County". Spokane County Elections. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  67. ↑ "Official Results and Certification: November 7, 2017 General Election" (PDF). Thurston County Auditor. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  68. ↑ "Seattle mayoral candidate: I'm running against shades of Murray". MyNorthwest. 2017-04-20. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  69. ↑ "August 7, 2018 Primary Election Results: Legislative". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  70. ↑ "August 7, 2018 Primary Election Results: Federal". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  71. ↑ "November 6, 2018 General Election Results: Congressional District 2". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  72. ↑ "November 6, 2018 General Election Results: Legislative". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  73. ↑ "November 5, 2019 General Election Results: Thurston County". Thurston County Elections. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  74. ↑ "November 3, 2020 General Election Results: President/Vice President". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  75. 1 2 "August 4, 2020 Primary Election Results: State Executive". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  76. ↑ "August 4, 2020 Primary Election Results: Federal". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  77. ↑ "August 4, 2020 Primary Election Results: Legislative". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  78. ↑ "November 3, 2020 General Election Results: Legislative". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  79. ↑ "August 2, 2022 Primary Election Results: Legislative". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  80. ↑ "August 2, 2022 Primary Election Results: Federal". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  81. ↑ "Candidate: Randy McGlenn II". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  82. ↑ "August 1, 2023 Primary Election Results: Spokane County". Spokane County Elections. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  83. ↑ "Using comic book reference, libertarian announces run for Everett council". The Everett Herald. 2025-03-05. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  84. ↑ "August 1, 2023 Primary Election Results: Snohomish County". Snohomish County Elections. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  85. ↑ "November 5, 2024 General Election Results: President/Vice President". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  86. ↑ "August 6, 2024 Primary Election Results: State Executive". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  87. ↑ "August 6, 2024 Primary Election Results: Legislative". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  88. ↑ "November 5, 2024 General Election Results: Legislative". Washington Secretary of State. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  89. ↑ "Local Libertarian Candidates Advance to General Election in Michigan, Kansas, and Washington". Independent Political Report. 2025-08-06. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  90. ↑ "November 4, 2025 General Election Results: Auburn City Council Position 6, combined county results". King County Elections. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  91. ↑ "November 4, 2025 General Election Results: Snohomish County". Snohomish County Elections. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  92. ↑ "August 5, 2025 Primary Election Results: Auburn City Council Position 6, combined county results". King County Elections. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  93. ↑ "August 5, 2025 Primary Election Results: Snohomish County". Snohomish County Elections. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  94. ↑ "Our Candidates". Libertarian Party of Washington. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  95. ↑ "Statement of Votes Cast by Geography: King County, August 2026 Primary Election" (PDF). King County Elections. 2026-08-17. p. 8. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  96. ↑ "2026 Snohomish County Primary Election Results". Lynnwood Times. 2026-08-04. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  97. ↑ "Bylaws of the Libertarian Party of Washington State". Libertarian Party of Washington. 2026-03-28. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  98. ↑ "About". Libertarian Party of Washington. Retrieved 2026-10-03.
  99. ↑ Leip, Dave. "1972 Presidential General Election Results – Washington". Dave Leip’s Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections.
  100. ↑ Leip, Dave. "1976 Presidential General Election Results – Washington". Dave Leip’s Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections.
  101. ↑ Federal Election Commission (December 31, 1980). 1980 Presidential Election Results (Report). pp. 3–5.
  102. ↑ Federal Election Commission (June 1985). Federal Elections 1984 (Report). p. 13.
  103. ↑ Federal Election Commission (June 1989). Federal Elections 1988 (Report). p. 13.
  104. ↑ Federal Election Commission (June 1993). Federal Elections 1992 (Report). p. 28.
  105. ↑ Federal Election Commission (May 1997). Federal Elections 1996 (Report). p. 28.
  106. ↑ Federal Election Commission (June 2001). Federal Elections 2000 (Report). p. 30.
  107. ↑ Federal Election Commission (May 2005). Federal Elections 2004 (Report). p. 38.
  108. ↑ "2008 General Election Results: President/Vice President". Washington Secretary of State.
  109. ↑ "2012 General Election Results: President/Vice President". Washington Secretary of State.
  110. ↑ Federal Election Commission (December 2017). Federal Elections 2016 (PDF) (Report). p. 43.
  111. ↑ "2020 General Election Results: President/Vice President". Washington Secretary of State.
  112. ↑ "2024 General Election Results: President/Vice President". Washington Secretary of State.
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