2026 Libertarian National Convention
| Convention | |
|---|---|
| Dates | May 21–25, 2026 |
| City | Grand Rapids, Michigan |
| Venue | DeVos Place Convention Center |
The 2026 Libertarian National Convention were held from May 21 to May 25, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It served as the biennial national convention of the Libertarian Party, at which delegates from state affiliates conducted party business and elected members of the Libertarian National Committee.[1]
The convention took place at the Amway Grand Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids.[1]
Background
The Libertarian National Convention is held every two years and serves as the party's highest decision-making body. Delegates selected by state party affiliates vote on party leadership positions, consider amendments to party bylaws and platform language, and adopt resolutions.
The 2026 convention followed the 2024 Libertarian National Convention, which was held in Washington, D.C..
Planning and organization
Grand Rapids was selected as the host city for the 2026 convention following a site selection process conducted by the Libertarian National Committee. Local party organizations and convention organizers coordinated planning efforts for hosting delegates and events.[2]
Convention organizers announced the theme "Freedom Calls" following a party-wide theme contest.[3]
Preparations for the convention have included coordination with local affiliates, fundraising efforts, and development of programming for delegates and attendees.[1]
Chair election
Incumbent chair Steven Nekhaila did not seek re-election.[4] Evan McMahon was chosen as the new chair of the party.[5][6]
Candidates
Declared
- Wes Benedict: former executive director of the Libertarian National Committee[7][8]
- Evan McMahon: Chair of the Libertarian Party of Indiana[7][9]
- Rob Yates: Candidate for the Charlotte mayoral elections in 2025 and 2013[7][10]
- Jim Ostrowski: attorney, Libertarian activist[7]
- Jeremy Kauffman, Chair of Libertarian Party of New Hampshire[11]
Declined
- Steven Nekhaila: incumbent chair[7]
Results
| Candidate | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Votes | % | Votes | % | Votes | % | |
| Evan McMahon | 187 | 31.6% | 241 | 40.0% | 320 | 53.5% |
| Jim Ostrowski | 195 | 32.9% | 236 | 39.1% | 265 | 44.3% |
| Wes Benedict | 125 | 21.1% | 110 | 18.2% | Eliminated | |
| Rob Yates | 42 | 7.1% | Eliminated | |||
| Jeremy Kauffman | 31 | 5.2% | Eliminated | |||
References
- 1 2 3 "Libertarian National Convention 2026". LNC 2026. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ↑ "2026 Convention Plan". Libertarian Party of Central Lake County. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ↑ "Libertarian Party advances to second round of 2026 convention theme contest". Independent Political Report. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
- ↑ "Libertarian National Committee Chair Steven Nekhaila Will Not Seek Reelection, Plans At-Large Run". Independent Political Report. December 12, 2025. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
- ↑ Indiana, Provided by Libertarian Party of (May 27, 2026). "McMahon named Libertarian Party national chair". Chronicle-Tribune.
- ↑ Boehm, Eric (May 29, 2026). "The Libertarian Party's New Leader Has No Interest in Playing Kingmaker". Reason.com. Retrieved June 3, 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Libertarian National Committee Chair Steven Nekhaila Will Not Seek Reelection, Plans At-Large Run". Independent Political Report. December 22, 2025. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
- ↑ "Wes Benedict returns as executive director for national LP; Carla Howell becomes political director". Libertarian Party. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
- ↑ "Evan McMahon". Indiana Capital Chronicle. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
- ↑ Sands, Alexandria. "Who's running for Charlotte City Council in 2025". Axios. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
- ↑ Rogers, Josh (May 13, 2026). "State Libertarian Party leader charged for disorderly conduct after fender bender". nhpr. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
- ↑ Willow Evans, Jordan (May 21, 2026). "2026 Libertarian National Convention Open Thread". Independent Political Report. Retrieved May 30, 2026.
