I’m at DFW Airport, preparing to fly home to Atlanta, when I’m approached by a man who notices my “Anti-War to the Core” backpack. I reflexively say, “If you’re anti-war, you should vote Libertarian; I’m their candidate for president.” Then I quickly realize my mistake and add, “Well, I was the Libertarian candidate for president.”
For about three years, I’ve proudly run for public office as a Libertarian. It was in November 2021 that I decided to run for U.S. Senate, and just over a year later, I heard the call from Libertarians across the nation to run for president.
And run, I did! This campaign reached all 50 states, marking a historic first for the Libertarian Party and for any third-party or independent candidate. We hosted events, met delegates at state conventions, participated in dozens of debates, and earned the most donor support and media coverage before the nominating convention in Washington, D.C. We put together a platform that addressed the concerns of voters both inside and outside the Libertarian Party, promoting the principles and philosophy of liberty to the American public. After a long and contentious convention with 9 hours of voting over 7 rounds, this campaign earned the nomination. Personally, this has been the honor of my life. Until I have a husband or children, I imagine this will be my highest honor.
That day on the convention floor, I also gained an amazing running mate and partner in Mike ter Maat. Mike and his team came into the campaign ready to work hard and support our message of liberty for all individuals. Mike has put in the miles on the road and done the work. I cannot thank him enough for his grace and willingness to dedicate so much time and energy away from his home and family over the past 5 months. He has always had a mind to serve and be of service to others, and we need more Libertarians like Mike ter Maat. Thank you, Mike, for choosing this campaign to partner with, and thank you for the work you and the fantastic volunteers and staff you brought on board have done.
With a running mate and a great team, we began our general election campaign. Mike and I traveled across the country to meet as many voters as we could, especially in places where we weren’t only meeting Libertarians. I remember some days at state fairs, I would speak with hundreds of voters directly. Many times these were brief interactions, but there were also many moments where I got to hear in depth about voters’ concerns and speak with them about solutions rooted in liberty and the decentralization of power out of Washington, D.C.
I spoke with farmers concerned about eminent domain being used to build pipelines on their land. I met veterans who know the struggles of the VA bureaucracy and want to bring the troops home, ending the foreign policy of the War on Terror. I talked to parents who want more input into their children’s education and want the government out of their family’s healthcare decisions. I heard from people concerned about the cost of living, inflation, immigration, bodily autonomy, healthcare, climate change, the cost and quality of education, and so much more. Each time, the policies I advocated for were presented through the lens of liberty and non-aggression. I have always, and will always, look for liberty as the answer—empowering individuals to exercise peaceful self-governance and have maximum agency over themselves and their property.
This year was a challenging election cycle for anyone working outside the status quo two-party system. Increased fear among the electorate, billions of dollars in campaign and PAC spending, and a hyperpolarized media and social media made 2024 a particularly difficult year to break through. The Libertarian Party faced its own challenges for a variety of reasons. It’s no surprise that the Libertarian Party and all parties outside the Democrats and Republicans had lower totals than in years past on the national level.
I am happy to take objective criticism for potential mistakes and missteps in my campaign. Every campaign, no matter how well-funded or prepared, will make mistakes. I can admit to my imperfections as a person and a candidate, and I will always be seeking to improve myself through introspection and growth. I also believe the party needs to take a hard look at its own issues. Why are we so polarized? What steps can we take to improve? What is the path forward for the Libertarian Party?
These questions will be answered in the coming months and years, but I do know we must reverse course when it comes to our operations and organization. For nearly three years, we have seen a drop in membership and donors and have lost many capable, hardworking staff members due to inner-party division. With this, we have lost some valuable institutional memory. If we want to continue to exist, we must put our party on a path to growth. We must end petty and cruel division and focus on building liberty. We must focus on being a policy-driven party—namely, running candidates for office and supporting their efforts. We must build a big tent and proclaim the truth that liberty is for everyone living in peace. All people have a right to be free—not just those who think like us, look like us, worship like us, love like us, or express themselves like us. We must shine the torch of liberty in every corner, for all people. If liberty isn’t universal, it is doomed to fail. We must always advocate for the liberty of ourselves and the liberty of others. Anything less isn’t liberty.
The Libertarian Party has had many wonderful people lead the ticket as our candidate for president, and I’m honored to be counted among those who have taken up the fight for liberty at the highest level. I’m blessed to know so many great Libertarians running for office this year, and I know each of them worked hard to spread the message of liberty. We had about 400 candidates running across the nation this year—we need to at least double that by four years from now. I will do whatever I can to make that happen.
I want to congratulate President-elect Trump and his team on their victory in this election. He made many promises to Libertarians, and while I remain skeptical, it would be welcome to see those promises kept—starting with the pardon of Ross Ulbricht. He has also advocated for policies that are, quite frankly, un-libertarian. If he pursues those policies, we must be loud critics and provide better alternatives. We must continue to criticize any administration that controls such a large and overly abusive federal government. Donald Trump has been president before, and there are objective reasons to be skeptical when he makes a promise. But I welcome the opportunity to be surprised.
I want to end with this message: it has been the honor of my life to represent the Libertarian Party as its candidate for president. I will cherish the hard work of my staff and volunteers, and the memories we made on the campaign trail. The last time I wasn’t running for office was about three years ago, and I plan to enjoy the holiday season with family and close friends as I prepare myself for what comes next.
I do know this: I am not going away. I am staying in the fight. What role that will take in the coming months and years will reveal itself soon enough. But know this:
This is just the beginning.
Peace, Love, and Liberty,
Chase Oliver
2024 Libertarian Candidate for President