TheLibertarian Party of Michigan is the state affiliate of theLibertarian Party of the United States (LP) for Michigan. Like the national LP, the Libertarian Party of Michigan advocates forlibertarian political goals. The party gained primary ballot access status in 2016 due to the vote total of presidential nomineeGary Johnson, but lost it after 2018 gubernatorial nominee Bill Gelineau failed to reach the required threshold in thegeneral election.
Several Libertarians have held public office in Michigan—most at the local level.[3] The party, a member of the Michigan Third Parties Coalition, advocates for changes in Michigan's election laws that allow for greater third party representation in the state.[4][relevant?]
The Libertarian Party of Michigan was founded in 1972. In the mid-1990s, the party had 1,500 dues paying members. The party was down to 800 such members in 2004. The party had a candidate in every congressional race in 2000 but failed to repeat in 2002. For 2004, the party had candidates in all 15 congressional races and 21 state House races[5] in 2007, the party joined with the existing third parties to form Michigan Third Parties Coalition lobbying group.[4]
In 2016, Libertarian presidential candidateGary Johnson won 172,136 votes in Michigan, qualifying the state party for aprimary election in 2018. The only contested election on its primary ballot that year was for governor with Grand Rapids businessman Bill Gelineau and retired teacher John Tatar.[6]
In April 2020, U.S. RepresentativeJustin Amash of Michigan's 3rd District joined the Libertarians, becoming the first and so far only member of Congress or federal official representing the party from any state, after leaving the Republican Party in 2019 and spending many months as an independent.[7] He declined to seek reelection under his new affiliation and departed from Congress in 2021.
Shortly after the2024 Libertarian National Convention, the Michigan delegates challenged the state party's leadership, claiming that the party chair did not have the authority to add Michigan to Region 1 of the convention.[8] In doing so this prevents the Michigan Libertarian Party from authorizing regional agreements and voting on regional representatives.[8] Libertarian National Committee Secretary Caryn Ann Harlos stated that the Michigan chair has the authority to join the Region, and requested that the delegates appeal the decision to the Libertarian Party’s Judicial Committee if they wish to contest it further.[8]
Bruce Gosling—Glen Oaks Community College Board of Trustees Treasurer (elected in a non-partisan election in 2003 and has remained in office as of January 2017)[10] He was the board's Chairperson as of 2021.[11]
Elizabeth Corder –Ypsilanti Township Park Commissioner (elected in 2016 on a partisan ballot)[22]
Fred Collins – Councilman for the City of Berkley, Michigan[23][24][25][26] from 1997 until he gave up his position to run for Mayor in 2005, and lost the election.[27]
Rev. James W. Clifton City Councilman from the town of Addison; became the first Michigan Libertarian to win public office in a partisan race.[28]
David Eisenbacher – Troy City Councilman[29] to office.[30][31][32]
Lawrence W. Johnson –Ypsilanti Township Park Commissioner (elected in 2008 on a partisan ballot)[20]
Lloyd Sherman (died 2006) – Hazel Park Brownfield Authority, Hazel Park Facilities and Infrastructure Citizens Advisory Board, Hazel Park Fence Review Board, Hazel Park Zoning Board of Appeals, Hazel Park General Building Authority.[3]
Will Tyler White – Vice-Chair, Meridian Charter Township Economic Development Corporation[36]
Mike Saliba – Clinton Township Historical Commission[37]
