About Us
1972 – Founded
Californians were involved in creating the Libertarian Party from the start, with many attending the first LP national convention in 1972. The first convention of the LPC was held the following year, 1973, in Fresno. The LPC has held a state convention every year since then, in cities from Sacramento to San Diego.
1972-1978 — First Presidential Candidates
The Libertarian Party’s first presidential candidate, John Hospers, was a professor of Philosophy at USC. In 1978, Ed Clark, on the ballot as an independent because the state did not yet recognize the LP as a party, received more than 5% of the vote for Governor of California.
1980-Present — Expanding the Ballot
The Libertarian Party was finally recognized as a political party by the state of California in 1980, making Clark, who was the LP’s presidential nominee that year, the first candidate for President to appear on the California ballot with the Libertarian label. The LP’s national ticket has appeared on the California ballot every four years since then, and the LP remains just one of six parties with this status in California.
Starting in 1980, candidates have also been appearing on the ballot with the Libertarian label for Congress, the state legislature, and other partisan offices. Meanwhile, many Libertarians have been elected to local offices throughout California, including county supervisors, mayors, and members of city councils, special district boards, and school boards.
Ongoing — Movement Involvement
Libertarian Party members have also been active through the years in many well-known political movements, including tax limitation, legalization of marijuana, school choice, gay rights, and support for crypto-currencies.