The Beacon – Newsletter of the Libertarian Party of California

🌟 The Beacon

Newsletter of the Libertarian Party of California · September 17, 2025

Welcome to another edition of the Beacon. I was worried about how to fill out a weekly Libertarian newsletter. Now I’m worried about having too much news! Enjoy and welcome to our liberty-loving community. Please participate.

Our First Candidate Profile

Portrait of Nicholas Thompson, Libertarian candidate for Governor of California

Nicholas Thompson

Candidate for Governor

I’m a college student from Chico, CA, running a governor campaign focused on involving and educating young people about liberty, encouraging students and new voters to understand their rights and their role in shaping society. I entered the race knowing I do not have the resources to contend for statewide office, but I believe participation itself matters because I’m acting as a bridge to the next generation, connecting increasingly estranged younger Californians to the Libertarian movement so it can grow into a real, sustainable future for liberty in this state.

Website: thompson2026.com
X/Twitter: @nickispolitical
Instagram: nick.getspolitical
Email: nicholas4liberty@gmail.com

“I’m not your typical politician. I don’t play games, make deals, or climb ladders. And that’s exactly what California needs right now.”

The Reality

Sacramento thinks it owns you. They regulate how you live, work, and even breathe. They treat your rights like privileges they can revoke whenever they want.

The Message

This campaign is a wake-up call. A reminder that power belongs to the people, not the bureaucrats who think they can run your life better than you can.

The Goal

To prove that Californians are done with the status quo. We’re tired of being treated like subjects instead of citizens. It’s time for real change.

We invited other candidates to participate but have not yet heard back.

Thinking of Running?

“Would be interested in running for something, but I have no idea what it entails. Ballot access scares me...”

We have a candidate support committee forming. If you are thinking of running for office, please let us know at ca.lp.org/run-for-office or email csc@ca.lp.org.

Key Deadlines

2026 Primary (June 2, 2026) — Important Filing Dates

Event Deadline Notes
Signatures-in-Lieu of Filing Fee Period Dec 19, 2025 – Feb 4, 2026 Between E-165 & E-118 before the primary. Source: California Secretary of State
Nomination Paper / Declaration of Candidacy Period Feb 9 – Mar 6, 2026 Between E-113 & E-88 before the primary. Source: California Secretary of State
Nomination Paper Extension Mar 7 – Mar 11, 2026 Only for offices where an incumbent hasn’t filed. Source: California Secretary of State
Last day for Governor candidates to submit tax returns March 6, 2026 E-88. Source: California Secretary of State

These are not guaranteed. Please confirm with the California Secretary of State.

Read Our Blogs

Survey question blog graphic

Libertarians Hate This Survey Question

Why do surveys always force Libertarians into the conservative–moderate–liberal box? This post explores why the Nolan Chart makes much more sense.

Why do intelligent people embrace socialism blog graphic

Why Do Intelligent People Embrace Socialism — Even Though It Has Never Worked?

A reflection on why bright people sometimes support socialism despite its repeated failures, and what libertarians can say in response.

LPC Convention Set for San Diego

Handlery Hotel exterior in San Diego, site of the 2026 Libertarian Party of California convention

The Libertarian Party of California Convention will be held at the Handlery Hotel in San Diego February 13–15, 2026 (950 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA 92108).

Book Rooms – $169/Night
Call 619-298-0511 or 1-800-676-6567 (daily, 9am–5pm) and reference Libertarian Party of California for the discounted rate.

  • Rate: $169/night (plus local taxes/fees, currently 14.95%)
  • Group rate available 3 days before/after (subject to availability)
  • Check-in after 3:00 pm · Check-out 11:00 am
  • Parking: $8/night with in/out privileges
  • Room block cut-off: Friday, January 16, 2026

National LP Convention

Libertarian National Convention 2026 promotional graphic

Get Ready for Freedom Calls! Mark your calendar for May 21–25, 2026, as we gather at the historic Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for the Libertarian National Convention.

This isn’t just another event—it’s the single most important gathering where libertarian activists, officials, and visionaries unite to elect our National Committee, vote on platform reforms, and chart the future direction of the party. Even in a non-presidential cycle, our convention matters—to shape bylaws, energize the movement, and flex our political muscle heading into 2028.

The 2026 Libertarian National Convention is more than just a gathering—it’s a catalyst for change. Whether you’re a lifelong Libertarian or someone eager to explore a different path, this is your chance to connect, collaborate, and help shape the movement that champions individual liberty, limited government, and personal responsibility.

Visit the Convention Website →

Ways to Support:

Join the Libertarian Party of California Today Register to Vote Libertarian

🌐 Visit the Libertarian Party of California website
🌐 Visit the national Libertarian Party website
🌐 International Alliance of Libertarian Parties (IALP)
📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram

Newsletter Editor: Pat Wright
editor@ca.lp.org | pat@pan.sdcoxmail.com
☎ 619-757-7426

Paid for by the Libertarian Party of California {{Unsubscribe URL}}

To stop receiving these emails, please unsubscribe here.