Libertarian Party of Idaho

The Libertarian Party of Idaho, also known as the LPID, is the affiliate of the Libertarian Party in the U.S. state of Idaho. The current chair is Jayson Sorensen.

Although it currently has no representation in the Idaho Legislature, it is one of four major political parties in Idaho which have ballot access (Using the Ballot access definition of Minor vs Major party). The party promotes securing personal and economic liberties as its top priorities.

History

The national Libertarian Party was founded in December 1971 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and held its first national convention in 1972. However, the Libertarian Party of Idaho was not established until 1975 by D. Allen Dalton when it first announced his candidacy in the next elections.

Since its inception, the Libertarian Party of Idaho has held various elected positions mostly on local boards and city council seats. Generally, the Libertarian Party of Idaho runs about twelve candidates in each election cycle.

Party milestones

In November, 1997, Ron Wittig became the first registered Libertarian to hold public office in the state of Idaho.
In November, 2016, US presidential candidate Gary Johnson achieved 4.1% (28,331 votes) of the popular vote, representing the highest percentage achieved for a Libertarian presidential candidate in the state of Idaho.
In October, 2020, the Libertarian Party of Idaho represented over 1% of registered voters in the state for the first time in party history.

Former officials

Ron Wittig New Meadows City Council (1997-2001)
Rob Oates Caldwell City Council (2003-2007)

Platform

The Libertarian Party of Idaho follows the platform of the Libertarian National Committee. This platform is based on the party's Statement of Principles, originally adopted at a convention of the national Libertarian Party in 1974.

Economic Policy

LPID wishes to reduce market regulations across the board, particularly in the healthcare industry. It also wants to reduce taxation to businesses and individuals as part of an overall goal to reduce the power of the government.

Social Policy

The Party seeks to engage in reform to the American justice system, including an end to the War on Drugs. It also seeks to increase protections for gun ownership and the purchasing of firearms.

Chairs of LPID

Jayson Sorensen (2022-Present)
Robert Imhoff-Dousharm (2022)
Jennifer Imhoff-Dousharm (2020–2022)
Rob Oates (2006-2020)
Ted Dunlap (2004)
Ryan Davidson (2001–2002)
D. Allen Dalton (1975–1976)

Notable electoral performances

Listed below are notable electoral performances by Idaho Libertarian Party nominees since 1998, as defined by winning at least 5.0% of the vote in a general election. Winners are shown in bold.