Libertarian Party of New Hampshire


The Libertarian Party of New Hampshire is the New Hampshire affiliate of the Libertarian Party of the United States. It is currently the third largest political party in the state of New Hampshire and is a ballot qualified party.

History

First House Libertarian Caucus

On July 16, 1991, Calvin Warburton became the first sitting legislator to switch parties to the Libertarian Party, and the first Libertarian legislator in the contiguous 48 states. Warburton was serving his seventh term as a Republican state representative in New Hampshire when, at age 81, he switched to the Libertarian Party. In 1992, four Libertarians were elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives: Warburton, Andy Borsa, Don Gorman, and Finlay Rothhaus. The four formed an officially recognized Libertarian Caucus with Gorman as the Libertarian Floor Leader. From 1973 to 1976, Gorman had served in the legislature as a Republican. In 1994, Don Gorman was re-elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives along with Jim McClarin.

Interim period

Prior to the 2000 election, Steve Vaillancourt, then a two-term incumbent Democratic member of the House of Representatives, switched his party affiliation to Libertarian. Rep. Vaillancourt was elected to the chamber as such and was the only Libertarian member during this period. Prior to the 2002 election, Rep. Vaillancourt switched his party affiliation to Republican. He was re-elected, becoming the first and only member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives to have served under the banner of all three contemporary parties.

Second House Libertarian Caucus

State Representative Caleb Q. Dyer changed his party affiliation from Republican to Libertarian on February 9, 2017. On May 10, 2017, State Representative Joseph Stallcop switched his party affiliation from Democratic to Libertarian. His announcement was broadcast via Facebook live. Following this announcement, the two formally requested a meeting space in the Legislative Office Building for caucusing prior to session. The caucus held their first meeting on May 18, 2017. On June 27, 2017, Rep. Brandon Phinney became the third member of the House to announce he had changed his party registration to Libertarian.

Executive Committee

According to the constitution and bylaws of the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire, the Executive Committee is composed of the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, the most recent eligible past Chair, and the Chair of the Membership Committee.

Officeholders (past and present)

Past and present members of the General Court

2016

2010

2008