The LPF is Under New Management

Meet Matt Johnson, the newly elected Chair of your Libertarian Party of Florida. If he looks familiar, it’s because he ascended from Vice Chair to Chair after the resignation of Josh Hlavka in 2024, who moved to Arizona. Johnson ensured a smooth and peaceful transition of power and is now focused on implementing the Strategic Plan he ran on.

His leadership marks a shift from the tone of recent years. Johnson is focused on building synergy among county affiliates, candidates, and the LPF by encouraging resource sharing and member engagement. Since the June convention, two counties have reaffiliated, multiple vacancies on the Executive Committee and committees have been filled, and financial contributions have increased.

“This isn't a time for blame-shifting. It's a time for leadership,” Johnson told the Executive Committee. He added, “As members of this board, we are the stewards of this party. That role doesn't stop with casting a vote once a month. If we're going to rebuild trust and reignite momentum, it starts with personal responsibility.”

Johnson is no stranger to hard work. He earned 36% of the vote in the Deland City Commission race in 2023 against a popular incumbent, and he also ran for State House in 2024. He also currently serves on the Lake Helen Planning & Land Development Regulation Commission.

Executive Committee Names Marc Golob as Fundraising Chair

At the July Executive Committee meeting, the board unanimously selected Marc Golob as Chair of the Fundraising Committee. The position had been vacant since late 2024.

Golob previously held the same role from 2017 to 2019 and continued to support fundraising efforts behind the scenes through 2021, helping onboard new volunteers and staff. He has also supported the Libertarian Party of Nevada on specific fundraising goals and contributed to Jo Jorgensen’s 2020 presidential campaign.

"I'm excited to be back in my old position,” Golob said. “I’m already getting a ton of support from Chair Matt Johnson, Secretary Lisa Gansky, my colleagues on the Executive Committee, and the vital committees.”

He noted that the first fund drive is expected in October. “My role as Region 14 Alternate will keep me very busy through mid-September,” he said. “October is a great month for fundraising in most organizations, and hopefully this announcement gets people thinking about what level of contribution they can make.” He joked, “Or how they’re going to avoid my phone calls in October.”

Golob added, “We’re actually not in bad shape. I’ve seen much worse. But I’d like to see about ten monthly recurring gifts of $25 or more come in soon. That would lift the LPF to a healthier monthly plateau.”

JD Pierce Gets Nod for Region 8 Rep in a Contested Race

Another key vacancy was filled in July, as JD Pierce was chosen to represent Region 8 following a contested nomination. Region 8 includes Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Hernando, and Hillsborough counties, which make up one of the most libertarian-leaning regions in the state. Welcome aboard, JD.

Top of the Ticket Candidates for the LPF

Gubernatorial candidate Scott Jewett is running to become the first Libertarian to serve as governor of Florida. His campaign focuses on a socially liberal, fiscally conservative message, with homeowners insurance reform as a central issue. With talking points designed to resonate across party lines, Jewett positions himself as the sensible option amid today's political extremes.

Ralph Groves of Ocoee is running for U.S. House in Florida’s District 11. He visited the Libertarian convention last June while on the campaign trail. Groves filed in 2024 to give voters ample time to learn more about his message and platform.

The LPF encourages voters to do their due diligence and, if a candidate aligns with your values, to consider offering voluntary support or a donation to help them succeed. While federal and statewide races are exciting, we also encourage aspiring Libertarians to consider running for local office first. Building a record of public service and making connections in your community can lay the groundwork for greater success when aiming for higher office later on.

Note: The filing period remains open for both seats. As a matter of policy, the LPF does not officially endorse candidates until they have either won the Libertarian primary or are unopposed at the close of the filing period.

Affiliates in Action

Volusia County held an LPVC meetup on Monday, August 11 at 6:30 PM at the NSB Dairy Queen. The affiliate is also planning a community outreach event on October 11 and 12 at Port Orange Family Days. More information is available here.

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Email submissions to [email protected]. Let’s keep showing Florida what liberty in action looks like.