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{{short description|US Republican Party member who has advocated libertarian policies}}
{{short description|US Republican Party member who has advocated libertarian policies}}
{{Libertarianism US|related}}
{{libertarianism in the United States sidebar}}
In American politics, a '''Libertarian Republican''' is a politician or [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] member who has advocated [[Libertarianism in the United States|Libertarian]] policies while typically voting for and being involved with the Republican Party.
In American politics, a '''Libertarian Republican''' is a politician or [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] member who has advocated [[Libertarianism in the United States|Libertarian]] policies while typically voting for and being involved with the Republican Party.


==Beliefs and size==
==Beliefs and size==
{{see also|Factions in the Republican Party (United States)}}
{{see also|Factions in the Republican Party (United States)}}
The Republican Party has historically been divided into factions. In a 2014 [[Pew Research Center]] survey on political typology and polarization, 12% of Republicans described themselves as libertarian.<ref>Jocelyn Kiley, [http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/08/25/in-search-of-libertarians/ In search of libertarians], [[Pew Research Center]] (August 25, 2014).</ref> In 2012, the libertarian branch of the party was described as smaller than other branches, including [[Tea Party movement|Tea Party]] voters (the "[[Right-wing populism|populist]], more radical Tea Party wing" of the party), pragmatic "Main Street" Republicans, and [[evangelical]] [[Christian right|Christian conservatives]].<ref name="NYTAnalysis">Bill Marsh, Graham Roberts, Xaquin G. V. & Archie Tse, [https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/08/26/sunday-review/a-new-guide-to-the-republican-herd.html A New Guide to the Republican Herd], ''New York Times'' (August 26, 2012).</ref>
The Republican Party has historically been divided into factions. In 2012, the libertarian branch of the party was described as smaller than other branches, including [[Tea Party movement|Tea Party]] voters (the "[[Right-wing populism|populist]], Pro-limited government Tea Party wing" of the party), pragmatic "Main Street" Republicans, and [[evangelical]] [[Christian right|Christian conservatives]].<ref name="NYTAnalysis">{{cite web | url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/08/26/sunday-review/a-new-guide-to-the-republican-herd.html | title=A New Guide to the Republican Herd }}</ref>
According to a 2012 ''New York Times'' analysis, libertarian Republicans have a variety of motivating issues. On economic and domestic policy, they favor [[deregulation]] and tax cuts, repeal of the [[Affordable Care Act]], and protecting [[Gun politics in the United States|gun rights]].<ref name="NYTAnalysis"/> On social issues, they favor privacy and oppose the [[USA Patriot Act]] and oppose the [[War on Drugs]].<ref name="NYTAnalysis"/> On foreign and defense policy, libertarian Republicans are [[Isolationism|isolationists]].<ref name="NYTAnalysis"/> Some libertarians favor abortion rights, while other libertarian Republicans [[Anti-abortion movement|oppose almost all abortions]].<ref name="NYTAnalysis"/> Two-thirds of libertarian Republicans are males.<ref name="NYTAnalysis"/>
According to a 2012 ''New York Times'' analysis, libertarian Republicans have a variety of motivating issues. On economic and domestic policy, they favor [[deregulation]] and tax cuts, repeal of the [[Affordable Care Act]], and protecting [[Gun politics in the United States|gun rights]].<ref name="NYTAnalysis"/> On social issues, they favor privacy and oppose the [[USA Patriot Act]] and oppose the [[War on Drugs]].<ref name="NYTAnalysis"/> On foreign and defense policy, libertarian Republicans are [[Non-interventionism|non-interventionists]].<ref name="NYTAnalysis"/> Some libertarians favor abortion rights, while other libertarian Republicans oppose abortion.<ref name="NYTAnalysis"/> Two-thirds of libertarian Republicans are males.<ref name="NYTAnalysis"/>

In a 2014 [[Pew Research Center]] survey on political typology and polarization, 12% of Republicans described themselves as libertarian.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2014/08/25/in-search-of-libertarians/ | title=In search of libertarians }}</ref> In a 2023 [[New York Times]] poll of the Republican coalition, 14% of Republicans were considered Libertarian conservatives. As of August 2023, 38% support providing additional support to [[Ukraine]], 34% support cutting [[corporate tax|corporate taxes]] over raising [[tariff|tariffs]], 19% consider themselves very conservative, 45% believe [[abortion]] should be mostly or always legal, 51% are against comprehensive immigration reform, 73% say they favor the "protection of individual freedom over traditional values", and 13% want a candidate who would "fight corporations that promote woke left ideology." In the [[2024 Republican Party presidential primaries]], 43% would vote for [[Donald Trump]] and 12% would vote for [[Ron DeSantis]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/08/17/upshot/six-kinds-of-republican-voters.html | title=The 6 Kinds of Republican Voters }}</ref>


==Organizations==
==Organizations==
The [[Republican Liberty Caucus]], which describes itself as "the oldest continuously operating organization in the Liberty Republican movement with state charters nationwide," was founded in 1991.<ref name="RLCHistory">[https://rlc.org/history-of-the-rlc/ History of the RLC], Republican Liberty Caucus (accessed October 20, 2020).</ref> In the 1990s the group's chairs included [[Chuck Muth]], [[Roger MacBride]], and Congressman [[Ron Paul]]; in the 2000s, the group's chairs included [[Dave Nalle]].<ref name="RLCHistory"/> The group's statement of principles affirms "the principle that individual rights and liberties are unlimited" and calls for [[free trade]]; the "[[privatization]] of all government assets"; the abolition of many [[List of federal agencies in the United States|federal agencies]]; the repeal of most current federal taxes in favor of a single [[flat income tax]] or [[national sales tax]]; and the phase-out of "compulsory government retirement, disability, and health programs."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://rlc.org/statement-of-principles-positions/|title=Statement of Principles & Positions|publisher=Republican Liberty Caucus|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref>
The [[Republican Liberty Caucus]], which describes itself as "the oldest continuously operating organization in the Liberty Republican movement with state charters nationwide," was founded in 1991.<ref name="RLCHistory">[]https://rlc.org/history-of-the-rlc/]</ref> In the 1990s the group's chairs included [[Chuck Muth]], [[Roger MacBride]], and Congressman [[Ron Paul]]; in the 2000s, the group's chairs included [[Dave Nalle]].<ref name="RLCHistory"/> The group's statement of principles affirms "the principle that individual rights and liberties are unlimited" and calls for [[free trade]]; the "[[privatization]] of all government assets"; the abolition of many [[List of federal agencies in the United States|federal agencies]]; the repeal of most current federal taxes in favor of a single [[flat income tax]] or [[national sales tax]]; and the phase-out of "compulsory government retirement, disability, and health programs."<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://rlc.org/statement-of-principles-positions/|title=Statement of Principles & Positions|publisher=Republican Liberty Caucus|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-30}}</ref>


The [[House Liberty Caucus]] was a [[Congressional caucus]] formed by [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian]] Representative [[Justin Amash]] of Michigan, at the time a Republican. In 2014, the group "consisted of about 30 libertarian-inclined Republicans (and occasional Democratic visitors like [[Jared Polis]])."<ref name="Drape">Robert Drape, [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/10/magazine/has-the-libertarian-moment-finally-arrived.html Has the 'Libertarian Moment' Finally Arrived?], ''New York Times Magazine'' (August 7, 2016).</ref> The group ceased to operate in 2017.
The [[House Liberty Caucus]] is a [[congressional caucus]] formed by [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian]] Representative [[Justin Amash]] of Michigan, at the time a Republican. In 2014, the group "consisted of about 30 libertarian-inclined Republicans (and occasional Democratic visitors like [[Jared Polis]])."<ref name="Drape">Robert Drape, [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/10/magazine/has-the-libertarian-moment-finally-arrived.html Has the 'Libertarian Moment' Finally Arrived?], ''New York Times Magazine'' (August 7, 2016).</ref> In February 2019, ''Politico'' reported that the House Liberty Caucus had eight members.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2019/02/26/national-emergency-house-vote-1186881|title=House votes to block Trump's national emergency declaration|first=Sarah|last=Ferris|date=February 26, 2019|website=POLITICO}}</ref> The list of congressional member organizations (CMOs) for the 118th Congress indicates that [[Warren Davidson]] is the leader of the Congressional Liberty Caucus.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cha.house.gov/_cache/files/8/b/8becd89e-0d95-4c9f-8320-bfaf884370d6/EB3C66E3F6E982A7F37FD67F00F95B99.cmo-updated.pdf|website=cha.house.gov |title=118th Congress Congressional Member Organizations (CMOs) |access-date=November 8, 2023}}</ref>


== Public figures ==
== Public figures ==
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[[File:Rand Paul, official portrait, 112th Congress alternate.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Rand Paul]]]]
[[File:Rand Paul, official portrait, 112th Congress alternate.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Rand Paul]]]]
[[File:Mike Lee, official portrait.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Mike Lee]]]]
[[File:Mike Lee, official portrait.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Mike Lee]]]]
[[File:Gov. Chris Sununu.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Chris Sununu]]]]
[[File:WilliamWeld (cropped1).jpg|thumb|200px|[[William Weld]]]]


=== Cabinet-level officials ===
=== Cabinet-level officials ===
* Former Director [[Mick Mulvaney]] of the [[Office of Management and Budget]]; former acting [[White House Chief of Staff]]; former U.S. Representative from [[South Carolina]]<ref>{{cite web|work=[[Politico]]|url=http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/03/libertarian-politics-success-failure-donald-trump-era-214847|title=The End of the Libertarian Dream?}}</ref>
* Former Director [[Mick Mulvaney]] of the [[Office of Management and Budget]]; former acting [[White House Chief of Staff]]; former U.S. Representative from [[South Carolina]]<ref>{{cite web|work=[[Politico]]|url=http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/03/libertarian-politics-success-failure-donald-trump-era-214847|title=The End of the Libertarian Dream?|date=8 May 2020 }}</ref>
* Former Director [[David Stockman]] of the [[Office of Management and Budget]]; former U.S. Representative from [[Michigan]]; self-described libertarian.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[CBS News]]|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-david-stockman-isnt-buying-it/|title=Why David Stockman isn't buying it|date=March 2, 2012}}</ref>


=== Representatives ===
=== Representatives ===
* Representative [[Thomas Massie]] of [[Kentucky]] – described as "a Northern Kentucky Republican with libertarian leanings,"<ref>Deirdre Shesgreen, [http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2016/11/15/ryan-wins-speakers-job-without-massie-ohio-dem-considers-bid-oust-pelosi/93918914/ Ryan wins speaker's job without Massie, as Ohio Dem considers bid to oust Pelosi], ''USA Today'' (November 15, 2016).</ref> Massie is a "self-styled libertarian"<ref>Emma Dumain, [http://www.rollcall.com/news/snowden_has_a_few_defenders_on_the_hill-225492-1.html Snowden Has a Few Defenders on the Hill], ''Roll Call'' (June 10, 2013).</ref> who has received libertarian support, although he has also described himself as a "'constitutional conservative' within the Republican Party."<ref>Jeffrey Mervis, [https://www.science.org/content/article/meet-representative-thomas-massie-constitutional-conservative-mit-pedigree Meet Representative Thomas Massie: A Constitutional Conservative With an MIT Pedigree], ''[[Science (magazine)|Science]]'' (November 21, 2012).</ref>
* Representative [[Thomas Massie]] of [[Kentucky]] – described as "a Northern Kentucky Republican with libertarian leanings,"<ref>Deirdre Shesgreen, [http://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2016/11/15/ryan-wins-speakers-job-without-massie-ohio-dem-considers-bid-oust-pelosi/93918914/ Ryan wins speaker's job without Massie, as Ohio Dem considers bid to oust Pelosi], ''USA Today'' (November 15, 2016).</ref> Massie is a "self-styled libertarian"<ref>Emma Dumain, [http://www.rollcall.com/news/snowden_has_a_few_defenders_on_the_hill-225492-1.html Snowden Has a Few Defenders on the Hill], ''Roll Call'' (June 10, 2013).</ref> who has received libertarian support, although he has also described himself as a "'constitutional conservative' within the Republican Party."<ref>Jeffrey Mervis, [https://www.science.org/content/article/meet-representative-thomas-massie-constitutional-conservative-mit-pedigree Meet Representative Thomas Massie: A Constitutional Conservative With an MIT Pedigree], ''[[Science (magazine)|Science]]'' (November 21, 2012).</ref>
* Representative [[Matt Gaetz]] of [[Florida]] – self-describes as a "libertarian [[populist]]" and described by media as having a "strong libertarian streak".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tracy |first=Abigail |date=March 3, 2020 |title="The President's Big Into Buddy Checks": In the MAGA Circus with Matt Gaetz, Trump's Ultimate Protégé |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2020/03/donald-trump-matt-gaetz-cpac-2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|quote=Gaetz has a strong libertarian streak and (at times) has expressed support for legalized marijuana and LGBTQ rights|title=Matt Gaetz Is Having a Bad Hair Day|date=February 13, 2020|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/matt-gaetz-trump-loyalist-interview-950196/}}</ref>
* Representative [[Matt Gaetz]] of [[Florida]] – self-describes as a "libertarian [[populist]]" and described by media as having a "strong libertarian streak".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tracy |first=Abigail |date=March 3, 2020 |title="The President's Big Into Buddy Checks": In the MAGA Circus with Matt Gaetz, Trump's Ultimate Protégé |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2020/03/donald-trump-matt-gaetz-cpac-2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|quote=Gaetz has a strong libertarian streak and (at times) has expressed support for legalized marijuana and LGBTQ rights|title=Matt Gaetz Is Having a Bad Hair Day|date=February 13, 2020|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/matt-gaetz-trump-loyalist-interview-950196/}}</ref>
* Representative [[Warren Davidson]] of [[Ohio]].
* Representative [[Tom McClintock]] of [[California]] – described as "libertarian leaning" by ''[[Reason (magazine)|Reason]]'' magazine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://reason.com/2020/06/12/how-not-to-build-a-transpartisan-coalition-for-police-reform/|title = How Not to Build a Transpartisan Coalition for Police Reform|date = 12 June 2020}}</ref>
* Representative [[Tom McClintock]] of [[California]] – described as "libertarian leaning" by ''[[Reason (magazine)|Reason]]'' magazine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://reason.com/2020/06/12/how-not-to-build-a-transpartisan-coalition-for-police-reform/|title = How Not to Build a Transpartisan Coalition for Police Reform|date = 12 June 2020}}</ref>
* Representative [[Nancy Mace]] of [[South Carolina]] - Described to have a "fusion" of Libertarian views<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/nancy-mace-fights-to-keep-fusionism-in-congress | title=Nancy Mace fights to keep fusionism in Congress | date=13 June 2022 }}</ref>
* Representative [[Nancy Mace]] of [[South Carolina]] - Described to have a "fusion" of Libertarian views<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/nancy-mace-fights-to-keep-fusionism-in-congress | title=Nancy Mace fights to keep fusionism in Congress | date=13 June 2022 }}</ref>
* Representative [[Scott Perry (politician)|Scott Perry]] of [[Pennsylvania]]


====Former representatives====
====Former representatives====
* Former Representative [[Justin Amash]] of [[Michigan]] – Chairman of the [[Liberty Caucus]]; left Republican Party in 2019 to become an Independent. He is now a registered member of the [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian Party]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Garrett Quinn|date=2012-05-30|title=Justin Amash Defends Congress' Only Libertarian Seat: Democrats (and at least one moderate Republican) are taking aim at the "next Ron Paul."|url=http://reason.com/archives/2012/05/30/justin-amashs-first-reelection-fight|access-date=2013-06-24|publisher=Reason.com}}</ref>
* Former Representative [[Justin Amash]] of [[Michigan]] – Chairman of the [[Liberty Caucus]]; left Republican Party in 2019 to become an Independent. He is now a registered member of the [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian Party]] and thus became the first Libertarian member to hold a seat in Congress.<ref>{{cite web|author=Garrett Quinn|date=2012-05-30|title=Justin Amash Defends Congress' Only Libertarian Seat: Democrats (and at least one moderate Republican) are taking aim at the "next Ron Paul."|url=http://reason.com/archives/2012/05/30/justin-amashs-first-reelection-fight|access-date=2013-06-24|publisher=Reason.com}}</ref> In 2024, however, he announced he would run for U.S. Senate as a Republican.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-29 |title=Former Rep. Justin Amash enters Michigan's jumbled GOP Senate primary |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/justin-amash-michigan-gop-senate-primary-rcna141175 |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref>
* Former Representative [[Richard L. Hanna]] of [[New York (state)|New York]]
* Former Representative [[John Hostettler]] of [[Indiana]]
* Former Representative [[Raúl Labrador]] of [[Idaho]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.yaliberty.org/pac/candidates/labrador |title=Rep. Raul Labrador (ID-01) &#124; Young Americans for Liberty |publisher=Yaliberty.org |date=2012-11-06 |access-date=2013-07-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603214150/http://www.yaliberty.org/pac/candidates/labrador |archive-date=2013-06-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Former Representative [[Reid Ribble]] of [[Wisconsin]]
* Former Representative [[Denver Riggleman]] of [[Virginia]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/05/12/denver-riggleman-republican-virginia-5th-convention-election/ | title=Republicans are trying to unseat their own congressperson because he officiated a same-sex wedding | date=12 May 2020 }}</ref>
* Former Representative [[Denver Riggleman]] of [[Virginia]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/05/12/denver-riggleman-republican-virginia-5th-convention-election/ | title=Republicans are trying to unseat their own congressperson because he officiated a same-sex wedding | date=12 May 2020 }}</ref>
* Former Representative [[Dana Rohrabacher]] of [[California]]<ref>[http://www.rlcca.org/dw/doku.php/public:background The earliest libertarian to gain standing within the Republican Party was Dana Rohrabacher.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626012454/http://www.rlcca.org/dw/doku.php/public%3Abackground |date=June 26, 2012 }}</ref>
* Former Representative [[Dana Rohrabacher]] of [[California]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rlcca.org/dw/doku.php/public:background|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626012454/http://www.rlcca.org/dw/doku.php/public%3Abackground|url-status=dead|title=The earliest libertarian to gain standing within the Republican Party was Dana Rohrabacher.|archivedate=June 26, 2012}}</ref>
* Former Representative [[Mark Sanford]] of [[South Carolina]] (also a former [[governor of South Carolina]]) – a Republican, he's often described as holding libertarian views;<ref>Josh Goodman, [http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/South-Carolinas-Libertarian-Governor.html South Carolina's "Libertarian" Governor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916162122/http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/South-Carolinas-Libertarian-Governor.html |date=2016-09-16 }}, ''Governing'' (August 4, 2008).</ref> claimed to have turned down an offer from [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian Party]] presidential nominee [[Gary Johnson]] to be his vice presidential [[running mate]] in the [[2016 United States presidential election|2016 election]].<ref>Emma Dumain, [http://www.postandcourier.com/20160616/160619570/mark-sanford-turned-down-offer-to-run-for-libertarian-party-vp Mark Sanford turned down offer to run for Libertarian Party VP], ''The Post and Courier'' (June 16, 2016).</ref>
* Former Representative [[Mark Sanford]] of [[South Carolina]] (also a former [[governor of South Carolina]]) – a Republican, he's often described as holding libertarian views;<ref>Josh Goodman, [http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/South-Carolinas-Libertarian-Governor.html South Carolina's "Libertarian" Governor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916162122/http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/South-Carolinas-Libertarian-Governor.html |date=2016-09-16 }}, ''Governing'' (August 4, 2008).</ref> claimed to have turned down an offer from [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian Party]] presidential nominee [[Gary Johnson]] to be his vice presidential [[running mate]] in the [[2016 United States presidential election|2016 election]].<ref>Emma Dumain, [http://www.postandcourier.com/20160616/160619570/mark-sanford-turned-down-offer-to-run-for-libertarian-party-vp Mark Sanford turned down offer to run for Libertarian Party VP], ''The Post and Courier'' (June 16, 2016).</ref>
* Former Representative [[Ted Yoho]] of [[Florida]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/story/rising-star-ted-yoho-republican-libertarian-slant|title = Rising Star Ted Yoho, 'Republican with Libertarian Slant'|date = 17 August 2012}}</ref>
* Former Representative [[Ted Yoho]] of [[Florida]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/story/rising-star-ted-yoho-republican-libertarian-slant|title = Rising Star Ted Yoho, 'Republican with Libertarian Slant'|date = 17 August 2012}}</ref>
* Former Representative [[Bob Barr]] of [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reason.com/archives/2003/12/01/bob-barr-civil-libertarian |title=Bob Barr, Civil Libertarian |date=December 2003 |publisher=Reason.com |access-date=2013-06-24}}</ref>
* Former Representative [[Bob Barr]] of [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reason.com/archives/2003/12/01/bob-barr-civil-libertarian |title=Bob Barr, Civil Libertarian |date=December 2003 |publisher=Reason.com |access-date=2013-06-24}}</ref>
* Former Representative [[Helen Chenoweth-Hage]], of Idaho.
* Former Representative [[Kerry Bentivolio]] of [[Michigan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://public.cq.com/docs/news/news-000004172543.html|author=Melanie Starkey|title=113th Congress: Kerry Bentivolio, R-Mich. (11th District)|quote=The libertarian-leaning Kerry Bentivolio secured his first elected position by running as an outsider...|work=CQ Today|publisher=[[Congressional Quarterly]]|date=November 7, 2012}}</ref>
* Former Representative [[Kerry Bentivolio]] of [[Michigan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://public.cq.com/docs/news/news-000004172543.html|author=Melanie Starkey|title=113th Congress: Kerry Bentivolio, R-Mich. (11th District)|quote=The libertarian-leaning Kerry Bentivolio secured his first elected position by running as an outsider...|work=CQ Today|publisher=[[Congressional Quarterly]]|date=November 7, 2012}}</ref>
* Former Representative [[Connie Mack IV]] of [[Florida]] – described as "a staunch fiscal conservative...with libertarian tendencies."<ref>Adam C. Smith & Alex Leary, [http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/maverick-connie-mack-keeps-gop-senate-field-waiting-on-2012-run/1152506 Maverick Connie Mack keeps GOP Senate field waiting on 2012 run] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827001216/http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/maverick-connie-mack-keeps-gop-senate-field-waiting-on-2012-run/1152506 |date=2016-08-27 }}, ''Tampa Bay Times'' (February 18, 2011).</ref>
* Former Representative [[Connie Mack IV]] of [[Florida]] – described as "a staunch fiscal conservative...with libertarian tendencies."<ref>Adam C. Smith & Alex Leary, [http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/maverick-connie-mack-keeps-gop-senate-field-waiting-on-2012-run/1152506 Maverick Connie Mack keeps GOP Senate field waiting on 2012 run] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827001216/http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/maverick-connie-mack-keeps-gop-senate-field-waiting-on-2012-run/1152506 |date=2016-08-27 }}, ''Tampa Bay Times'' (February 18, 2011).</ref>
* Former Representative [[Ron Paul]] of [[Texas]] – longstanding Libertarian Republican icon; unsuccessfully [[Ron Paul presidential campaign, 1988|ran for president in 1988]] as the [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian]] nominee, and [[Ron Paul 2008 presidential campaign|in 2008]] and [[Ron Paul 2012 presidential campaign|2012]] as a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] candidate.<ref>John Harwood, [https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/26/us/politics/ron-paul-passing-torch-to-a-libertarian-legion.html Libertarian Legion Stands Ready to Accept Torch From Paul], ''New York Times'' (August 25, 2012).</ref><ref>Brian Doherty, [https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/opinion/sunday/after-ron-paul-then-what-for-libertarians.html After Ron Paul, Then What?], ''New York Times'' (February 9, 2013).</ref>
* Former Representative [[Ron Paul]] of [[Texas]] – longstanding Libertarian Republican icon; unsuccessfully [[Ron Paul presidential campaign, 1988|ran for president in 1988]] as the [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian]] nominee, and [[Ron Paul 2008 presidential campaign|in 2008]] and [[Ron Paul 2012 presidential campaign|2012]] as a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] candidate.<ref>John Harwood, [https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/26/us/politics/ron-paul-passing-torch-to-a-libertarian-legion.html Libertarian Legion Stands Ready to Accept Torch From Paul], ''New York Times'' (August 25, 2012).</ref><ref>Brian Doherty, [https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/opinion/sunday/after-ron-paul-then-what-for-libertarians.html After Ron Paul, Then What?], ''New York Times'' (February 9, 2013).</ref>
* Former Representatives [[Howard H. Buffett]] of [[Nebraska]], [[Ralph W. Gwinn]] of [[New York (state)|New York]], [[Frederick C. Smith]] of [[Ohio]], and [[H.R. Gross]] of [[Iowa]] – members of the House described by [[Murray Rothbard]] as "[[extreme right]] ... solidly isolationist and opposed to foreign wars and interventions, and roughly free-market and libertarian in domestic affairs."<ref>[[Murray Rothbard]], ''The Betrayal of the American Right'' ([[Ludwig von Mises Institute]], 2007), p. 86.</ref>


=== Senators ===
=== Senators ===
* [[Rand Paul]], [[U.S. Senator]] from [[Kentucky]] (2011–present) – is sometimes regarded as libertarian-leaning,<ref>Robert Draper, [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/10/magazine/has-the-libertarian-moment-finally-arrived.html Has the 'Libertarian Moment' Finally Arrived?], ''[[New York Times Magazine]]'' (August 7, 2014).</ref> and has on multiple occasions described himself as such when discussing matters like the national debt and other economic issues, domestic surveillance, foreign military intervention, and the war on drugs. However, [[David Boaz]] of the [[Cato Institute]] notes that "Paul doesn't claim to be a libertarian, and he takes positions that many libertarians disagree with."<ref>[[David Boaz]], [http://www.newsweek.com/rand-paul-real-libertarian-319959 Is Rand Paul a Real Libertarian?], ''Newsweek'' (April 6, 2015).</ref>
* [[Rand Paul]], [[U.S. Senator]] from [[Kentucky]] (2011–present) – is sometimes regarded as libertarian-leaning,<ref>Robert Draper, [https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/10/magazine/has-the-libertarian-moment-finally-arrived.html Has the 'Libertarian Moment' Finally Arrived?], ''[[New York Times Magazine]]'' (August 7, 2014).</ref> and has on multiple occasions described himself as such when discussing matters like the national debt and other economic issues, domestic surveillance, foreign military intervention, and the war on drugs. However, [[David Boaz]] of the [[Cato Institute]] notes that "Paul doesn't claim to be a libertarian, and he takes positions that many libertarians disagree with."<ref>[[David Boaz]], [http://www.newsweek.com/rand-paul-real-libertarian-319959 Is Rand Paul a Real Libertarian?], ''Newsweek'' (April 6, 2015).</ref>
* [[Mike Lee]], [[U.S. Senator]] from [[Utah]] (2011–present) – described as an economic and civil libertarian.<ref>Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry, [https://theweek.com/articles/598792/mike-lee-most-interesting-republican-washington], ''The Week'' (January 13, 2016).</ref><ref>[[Nick Gillespie]], [http://reason.com/blog/2015/05/20/gop-should-side-with-civil-libertarians GOP Should Side with Civil Libertarians Rand Paul and Mike Lee, Not Mitch McConnell and Tom Cotton, on Patriot Act Provisions], ''Reason'' (May 20, 2015).</ref>
* [[Mike Lee]], [[U.S. Senator]] from [[Utah]] (2011–present) – described as an economic and civil libertarian.<ref>Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry, [https://theweek.com/articles/598792/mike-lee-most-interesting-republican-washington], ''The Week'' (January 13, 2016).</ref><ref>[[Nick Gillespie]], [http://reason.com/blog/2015/05/20/gop-should-side-with-civil-libertarians GOP Should Side with Civil Libertarians Rand Paul and Mike Lee, Not Mitch McConnell and Tom Cotton, on Patriot Act Provisions], ''Reason'' (May 20, 2015).</ref>
* [[Cynthia Lummis]], [[U.S. Senator]] from [[Wyoming]] (2021–present) – self-describes as a "libertarian-leaning Republican".<ref>{{cite news|work=[[Politico]]|quote=Libertarians like Republican Sens. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming and Rand Paul of Kentucky signaled openness to descheduling marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act|title=Senate Democrats split over legalizing weed|date=April 20, 2021|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/20/senate-democrats-weed-legalization-schumer-483747}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|work=[[New York Times]]|quote=A self-described “libertarian-leaning Republican,” Ms. Lummis – whose last name rhymes with hummus – is the first woman to represent Wyoming in the Senate.|title=Cynthia Lummis, a Bull-Coaxing Conservative, Heads to the Senate|date=December 5, 2020|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/05/us/politics/cynthia-lummis-senate-wyoming.html}}</ref>


====Former senators====
====Former senators====
* [[Barry Goldwater]], former [[U.S. Senator]] from [[Arizona]] (1953–1965, 1969–1987)<ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/218595/fools-goldwater/jonah-goldberg Fools Goldwater] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304045223/http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/218595/fools-goldwater/jonah-goldberg |date=March 4, 2011 }}. National Review, 7-30-2006. Retrieved April 16, 2011.</ref>
* [[Barry Goldwater]], former [[U.S. Senator]] from [[Arizona]] (1953–1965, 1969–1987)<ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/218595/fools-goldwater/jonah-goldberg Fools Goldwater] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304045223/http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/218595/fools-goldwater/jonah-goldberg |date=March 4, 2011 }}. National Review, 7-30-2006. Retrieved April 16, 2011.</ref>
* [[Mark Hatfield]], former [[U.S. Senator]] from [[Oregon]] (1967–1997)<ref>{{cite web |first=Murray N. |last=Rothbard |title=Exclusive Interview With Murray Rothbard |work=The New Banner: A Fortnightly Libertarian Journal |date=February 25, 1972 |url=http://archive.lewrockwell.com/rothbard/rothbard103.html}}</ref>
* [[Mark Hatfield]], former [[U.S. Senator]] from [[Oregon]] (1967–1997)<ref>{{cite web |first=Murray N. |last=Rothbard |title=Exclusive Interview With Murray Rothbard |work=The New Banner: A Fortnightly Libertarian Journal |date=February 25, 1972 |url=http://archive.lewrockwell.com/rothbard/rothbard103.html}}</ref>
* [[George Frisbie Hoar]], former [[U.S. Senator]] from [[Massachusetts]] (1877–1904)<ref>{{cite web|last=Brendan |first=Michael |url=http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/mike-church-the-most-radical-man-on-the-radi/ |title="Frisbie Hoar was saying then the same things Ron Paul is saying today," Church avers |publisher=Theamericanconservative.com |date=2011-03-28 |access-date=2013-06-24}}</ref>
*[[Jeff Flake]], former [[U.S. Senator]] from [[Arizona]] (2013–2019)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/feb/08/jeff-flake-republican-trumpism-slow-fade | title='This fever will break': Republican Jeff Flake on the slow fade of Trumpism &#124; Republicans &#124; the Guardian }}</ref>
*[[Jeff Flake]], former [[U.S. Senator]] from [[Arizona]] (2013–2019)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/feb/08/jeff-flake-republican-trumpism-slow-fade | title='This fever will break': Republican Jeff Flake on the slow fade of Trumpism &#124; Republicans &#124; the Guardian }}</ref>


Line 64: Line 55:


====Former governors====
====Former governors====
* [[Gary Johnson]], 29th [[Governor of New Mexico]] (1995–2003) – served two terms as governor as a Republican and ran for President as a Republican in 2011,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nmtelegram.com/2013/06/12/Johnson-said-hes-open-to-running-as-a-republican-again/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621065936/http://www.nmtelegram.com/2013/06/12/johnson-said-hes-open-to-running-as-a-republican-again/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=June 21, 2013 |title=Johnson said he's open to running as a Republican again |publisher=New Mexico Telegram |date= 12 June 2013 |access-date=16 June 2013}}</ref> but switched from the Republican Party to the Libertarian Party later that year,<ref>Kelly David Burke, [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/12/28/gary-johnson-switches-to-libertarian-party.html Gary Johnson Switches to Libertarian Party], Fox News (December 28, 2011).</ref> serving as the Libertarian nominee for president in 2012 and 2016.
* [[Gary Johnson]], 29th [[Governor of New Mexico]] (1995–2003) – served two terms as governor as a Republican and ran for President as a Republican in 2011,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nmtelegram.com/2013/06/12/Johnson-said-hes-open-to-running-as-a-republican-again/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621065936/http://www.nmtelegram.com/2013/06/12/johnson-said-hes-open-to-running-as-a-republican-again/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=June 21, 2013 |title=Johnson said he's open to running as a Republican again |publisher=New Mexico Telegram |date= 12 June 2013 |access-date=16 June 2013}}</ref> but switched from the Republican Party to the Libertarian Party later that year,<ref>Kelly David Burke, [http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/12/28/gary-johnson-switches-to-libertarian-party.html Gary Johnson Switches to Libertarian Party], Fox News (December 28, 2011).</ref> serving as the Libertarian nominee for president in [[Gary Johnson 2012 presidential campaign|2012]] and [[Gary Johnson 2016 presidential campaign|2016]] and running for the U.S. Senate as a Libertarian in 2018.
* [[William Weld]], 68th [[Governor of Massachusetts]] (1991–1997) – As a Republican governor of Massachusetts, Weld self-identified as a libertarian Republican.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/libertarian-ticket-sane-republicans-can-get-behind| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160521140220/http://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/libertarian-ticket-sane-republicans-can-get-behind| archive-date = 2016-05-21| title = A Libertarian Ticket Sane Republicans Can Get Behind {{!}} Cato Institute}} </ref> Later, Weld drifted toward the Libertarian Party. In 2006, Weld unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for New York governor; he gained the Libertarian Party endorsement that year before dropping out of the race.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,198363,00.html Bill Weld Drops out of New York Gubernatorial Race], Associated Press (June 6, 2006).</ref> In 2016, Weld joined the Libertarian Party to run for vice president as the running mate of Gary Johnson.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]|title=Libertarian Gary Johnson picks former Mass. governor for VP|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/280456-gary-johnson-picks-running-mate|date=May 18, 2019}}</ref> In 2019, Weld rejoined the Republican Party to launch a primary challenge to President [[Donald Trump]].<ref>{{cite news|date=April 16, 2019|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/15/politics/bill-weld-2020-trump/index.html|work=[[CNN]]|title=Bill Weld officially announces he is challenging Trump for GOP nomination in 2020}}</ref>
* [[William Weld]], 68th [[Governor of Massachusetts]] (1991–1997) – As a Republican governor of Massachusetts, Weld self-identified as a libertarian Republican.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/libertarian-ticket-sane-republicans-can-get-behind| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160521140220/http://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/libertarian-ticket-sane-republicans-can-get-behind| archive-date = 2016-05-21| title = A Libertarian Ticket Sane Republicans Can Get Behind {{!}} Cato Institute}} </ref> Later, Weld drifted toward the Libertarian Party. In 2006, Weld unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for New York governor; he gained the Libertarian Party endorsement that year before dropping out of the race.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,198363,00.html Bill Weld Drops out of New York Gubernatorial Race], Associated Press (June 6, 2006).</ref> In 2016, Weld joined the Libertarian Party to run for vice president as the running mate of Gary Johnson.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]|title=Libertarian Gary Johnson picks former Mass. governor for VP|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/280456-gary-johnson-picks-running-mate|date=May 18, 2019}}</ref> In 2019, Weld rejoined the Republican Party to launch a primary challenge to President [[Donald Trump]].<ref>{{cite news|date=April 16, 2019|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/15/politics/bill-weld-2020-trump/index.html|work=[[CNN]]|title=Bill Weld officially announces he is challenging Trump for GOP nomination in 2020}}</ref>
* [[Paul LePage]], 74th [[Governor of Maine]] (2011–2019) – according to Politico "an insurgency of libertarian activists" supported LePage for [[2010 Maine gubernatorial election|Governor in 2010]] and LePage has called for a return to Austrian economics.<ref>{{cite web|website=Politico|author=Colin Woodbard|title=How Did Mild-Mannered Maine Get America's Craziest Governor?|url=https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/01/paul-lepage-maine-governor-crazy-101923/|date=January 8, 2014}}</ref>


=== State legislators ===
=== State legislators ===
* [[Nick Freitas]], [[Virginia House of Delegates|Virginia state Delegate]] (2015–present) – Unsuccessfully ran for [[United States Senate election in Virginia, 2018|U.S. Senate in 2018]]. Described as having a "conservative voting record and libertarian streak."<ref>{{cite web|title=Delegate Joins Senate Race to Challenge Tim Kaine|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/virginia/articles/2017-12-10/delegate-joins-senate-race-to-challenge-tim-kaine|website=U.S. News & World Report|agency=Associated Press|access-date=11 December 2017}}</ref>
* [[Nick Freitas]], [[Virginia House of Delegates|Virginia state Delegate]] (2015–present) – Unsuccessfully ran for [[United States Senate election in Virginia, 2018|U.S. Senate in 2018]]. Described as having a "conservative voting record and libertarian streak."<ref>{{cite web|title=Delegate Joins Senate Race to Challenge Tim Kaine|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/virginia/articles/2017-12-10/delegate-joins-senate-race-to-challenge-tim-kaine|website=U.S. News & World Report|agency=Associated Press|access-date=11 December 2017}}</ref>
* [[Aaron Kaufer]], [[Pennsylvania House of Representatives|Pennsylvania state representative]] (2015-present)
* [[Anthony Sabatini]], [[Florida House of Representatives|Florida state representative]] (2018–present) – candidate for [[2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida]] for [[Florida's 7th congressional district]]. Described as a "libertarian-conservative".<ref>{{cite web|website=Florida Politics|date=July 16, 2021|author=Scott Powers|title=Stephanie Murphy collects $800K as Republicans stake CD 7 challenges|url=https://floridapolitics.com/archives/441729-stephanie-murphy-collects-800k-as-republicans-stake-cd-7-challenges/}}</ref>
* [[Anthony Sabatini]], [[Florida House of Representatives|Florida state representative]] (2018–present) – candidate for [[2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Florida]] for [[Florida's 7th congressional district]]. Described as a "libertarian-conservative".<ref>{{cite web|website=Florida Politics|date=July 16, 2021|author=Scott Powers|title=Stephanie Murphy collects $800K as Republicans stake CD 7 challenges|url=https://floridapolitics.com/archives/441729-stephanie-murphy-collects-800k-as-republicans-stake-cd-7-challenges/}}</ref>


====Former====
====Former====
* [[Kurt Bills]], former [[Minnesota House of Representatives|Minnesota state representative]] (2011–2012) – describes himself as a "libertarian-leaning constitutional conservative"; ''Reason'' magazine writes that "most of his positions align with mainstream libertarian ideas. He is hostile to the drug war, favors a non-interventionist foreign policy, and embraces Austrian economics."<ref name="Quinn"/>
* [[Eric Brakey]], former [[Maine Senate|Maine state senator]] (2014–2018) Unsuccessfully ran for [[United States Senate election in Maine, 2018|U.S. Senate in 2018]]. Worked for [[Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012|Ron Paul's 2012 campaign]], led the Defense of Liberty PAC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bangordailynews.com/2013/08/11/politics/libertarian-group-commends-10-gop-lawmakers-calls-21-democrats-constitutional-threats/|title=Libertarian group commends 10 GOP lawmakers, calls 21 Democrats 'constitutional threats'|last1=Moretto|first1=Mario|last2=Staff|first2=B. D. N.|website=The Bangor Daily News|date=11 August 2013|access-date=2017-07-30}}</ref>
* [[Eric Brakey]], former [[Maine Senate|Maine state senator]] (2014–2018) Unsuccessfully ran for [[United States Senate election in Maine, 2018|U.S. Senate in 2018]]. Worked for [[Ron Paul presidential campaign, 2012|Ron Paul's 2012 campaign]], led the Defense of Liberty PAC.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bangordailynews.com/2013/08/11/politics/libertarian-group-commends-10-gop-lawmakers-calls-21-democrats-constitutional-threats/|title=Libertarian group commends 10 GOP lawmakers, calls 21 Democrats 'constitutional threats'|last1=Moretto|first1=Mario|last2=Staff|first2=B. D. N.|website=The Bangor Daily News|date=11 August 2013|access-date=2017-07-30}}</ref>
* [[Laura Ebke]], former [[Nebraska Senate|Nebraska state senator]] (2015–2019) – elected to the legislature in 2014 and advanced libertarian positions. She described herself in early 2015 as "a Republican and a conservative libertarian,"<ref>Don Walton, [http://journalstar.com/legislature/laura-ebke-a-libertarian-voice-in-legislature/article_67877cbd-4ed5-5f1e-a103-d6876100985c.html Laura Ebke a libertarian voice in Legislature], ''Lincoln Journal Star'' (February 6, 2015).</ref> In 2016, Ebke switched to the Libertarian Party.<ref>Joe Duggan, [http://www.omaha.com/news/legislature/frustrated-state-sen-laura-ebke-switches-from-republican-to-libertarian/article_4bce0112-4914-58fb-abd1-efb9f3acd6e7.html Frustrated' State Sen. Laura Ebke switches from Republican to Libertarian], ''Omaha World-Herald'' (June 6, 2016).</ref><ref>Irene North, [http://www.starherald.com/news/local_news/nebraska-state-senator-laura-ebke-switches-parties/article_2470c23c-55f5-5d00-b056-3fc264c65ffe.html Nebraska State Senator Laura Ebke switches parties], ''Scottsbluff Star-Herald'' (June 2, 2016).</ref>
* [[Richard Tisei]], former [[Massachusetts Senate|Massachusetts state senator]] and state Senate minority leader; identifies as a "traditional [[Northeastern United States|Northeast]] libertarian" in the social and fiscal senses.<ref name="Quinn">Garrett Quinn, [http://reason.com/archives/2012/10/22/libertarianish-candidates/print Libertarian(ish) Candidates: If you want to find a few liberty-loving politicos, look lower on the ballot], ''Reason'' (November 2012).</ref>
* [[Richard Tisei]], former [[Massachusetts Senate|Massachusetts state senator]] and state Senate minority leader; identifies as a "traditional [[Northeastern United States|Northeast]] libertarian" in the social and fiscal senses.<ref name="Quinn">Garrett Quinn, [http://reason.com/archives/2012/10/22/libertarianish-candidates/print Libertarian(ish) Candidates: If you want to find a few liberty-loving politicos, look lower on the ballot], ''Reason'' (November 2012).</ref>
* [[Matt Gurtler]], [[Georgia House of Representatives|Georgia state representative]] from the 8th district (2017–2021); endorsed by [[Thomas Massie]] in his bid for [[2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Georgia#District 9|U.S. Representative for Georgia's 9th congressional district]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Sending Thomas Massie Some Backup: Matt Gurtler For Congress|author=Shelby Wright|date=April 10, 2020|website=The Libertarian Republic|url=https://thelibertarianrepublic.com/sending-thomas-massie-some-backup-matt-gurtler-for-congress/}}</ref> He was dubbed "Mr. No" as a state representative for how many times he voted against legislation and called for restrictions on the [[IRS]].<ref>{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|website=US News|title=Clyde, Gurtler, Vie for Republican Nod in Northeast Georgia|date=August 6, 2020|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/georgia/articles/2020-08-06/clyde-gurtler-vie-for-republican-nod-in-northeast-georgia}}</ref>


=== Authors and scholars ===
=== Authors and scholars ===
* Nobel Prize–winning economist [[Milton Friedman]]<ref>[http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/608 Milton Friedman on the Charlie Rose Show] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204175516/http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/608 |date=February 4, 2011 }}. PBS, November 2005. Retrieved April 16, 2011.</ref>
* Nobel Prize–winning economist [[Milton Friedman]]<ref>[http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/608 Milton Friedman on the Charlie Rose Show] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204175516/http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/608 |date=February 4, 2011 }}. PBS, November 2005. Retrieved April 16, 2011.</ref>
* ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'' writer [[Stephen Moore (writer)|Stephen Moore]]<ref name="rlcfl2006">[http://www.rlcfl.org/component/content/frontpage/frontpage.html?start=80 Republican Liberty Caucus 2006 Convention Summary] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722174358/http://www.rlcfl.org/component/content/frontpage/frontpage.html?start=80 |date=July 22, 2011 }}. Retrieved April 16, 2011.</ref>
* Economist and philosopher [[Murray Rothbard]] (until the 1950s)<ref>[[David Leonhardt]]. [https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/01/books/review/leonhardt.t.html Free for All]. The New York Times, 4-1-2007. Retrieved April 16, 2011.</ref>
* Economist [[Mark Skousen]]<ref name="rlcfl2006"/>


=== Others ===
=== Others ===
⚫
* [[Kane (wrestler)|Glenn Jacobs]], professional wrestler with [[WWE]] and current [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] Mayor of [[Knox County, Tennessee]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/05/06/kane-glenn-jacobs-knox-county-mayor-libertarian-what-means/573331002/|title=Glenn Jacobs, expected to be elected mayor is a libertarian. What that means for Knox County.|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|access-date=2018-09-13|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/03/politics/wwe-kane-glenn-jacobs-knox-county-mayor-intl/index.html|title=WWE wrestler Kane wins bid for Knox County mayor|first=Euan |last=McKirdy|work=CNN|access-date=2018-09-13}}</ref>
* [[Jerry Doyle]], radio talk show host<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jerrydoyle.com/reason-jerry-doyle-politics-show-business |title=Today he is the libertarian-leaning host of The Jerry Doyle Show, a daily three-hour program about politics and culture syndicated by the Talk Radio Network |publisher=Jerrydoyle.com |access-date=2013-06-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718072103/http://www.jerrydoyle.com/reason-jerry-doyle-politics-show-business |archive-date=July 18, 2013 }}</ref>
* [[Clint Eastwood]], actor, filmmaker – describes himself as a libertarian and says that he has "always been a libertarian," but is associated with the Republican Party.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/jun/06/1 Dirty Harry comes clean] (Clint Eastwood interview with Jeff Dawson), ''The Guardian'' (June 6, 2008).</ref><ref>Jacob Sullum, [http://reason.com/blog/2012/09/19/clint-eastwoods-leave-everybody-alone-de Clint Eastwood's 'Leave Everybody Alone' Definition of Libertarianism], ''Reason'' (September 19, 2012).</ref><ref>Ed Krayewski, [http://reason.com/blog/2012/08/31/a-refresher-clint-eastwood-libertarian A Refresher on Clint Eastwood's Libertarian Politics], ''Reason'' (August 31, 2012).</ref>
* [[Jack Hunter (radio host)|Jack Hunter]], radio talk show host ("The Southern Avenger"), political commentator, former aide to [[Rand Paul]], editor of [[Rare (website)|Rare Politics]]<ref name="Somin">Ilya Somin, [http://volokh.com/2013/07/22/former-southern-avenger-jack-hunter-resigns-from-rand-pauls-staff/ Former "Southern Avenger" Jack Hunter Resigns from Rand Paul's Staff], [[Volokh Conspiracy]] (July 22, 2013).</ref><ref name="HunterRepents">Jack Hunter, [http://volokh.com/2013/07/22/former-southern-avenger-jack-hunter-resigns-from-rand-pauls-staff/ The 'Southern Avenger' Repents: I Was Wrong About the Confederate Flag], ''Daily Beast'' (June 22, 2015).</ref> – has written of his "attraction to libertarianism."<ref name="HunterRepents"/> Hunter formerly expressed [[neo-Confederate]] views, which libertarian commentator and law professor [[Ilya Somin]] criticized in 2013 as inconsistent with libertarianism.<ref name="HunterRepents"/>
⚫
* [[Kane (wrestler)|Glenn Jacobs]], professional wrestler with [[WWE]] and current [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] Mayor of [[Knoxville, Tennessee]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/05/06/kane-glenn-jacobs-knox-county-mayor-libertarian-what-means/573331002/|title=Glenn Jacobs, expected to be elected mayor is a libertarian. What that means for Knox County.|work=Knoxville News Sentinel|access-date=2018-09-13|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/08/03/politics/wwe-kane-glenn-jacobs-knox-county-mayor-intl/index.html|title=WWE wrestler Kane wins bid for Knox County mayor|first=Euan |last=McKirdy|work=CNN|access-date=2018-09-13}}</ref>
* [[Kennedy (commentator)|Kennedy]], TV commentator and former MTV VJ<ref>Grove, Lloyd. "[http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/12/09/lisa-kennedy-montgomery-on-her-path-from-mtv-to-fox-business.html Lisa Kennedy Montgomery on Her Path From MTV to Fox Business]." ''The Daily Beast''. 2013-12-09. Retrieved 2016-02-01.</ref>
* [[Kennedy (commentator)|Kennedy]], TV commentator and former MTV VJ<ref>Grove, Lloyd. "[http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/12/09/lisa-kennedy-montgomery-on-her-path-from-mtv-to-fox-business.html Lisa Kennedy Montgomery on Her Path From MTV to Fox Business]." ''The Daily Beast''. 2013-12-09. Retrieved 2016-02-01.</ref>
* [[Dennis Miller]], television personality – described himself as a "conservative libertarian" in the 1990s, although "his commentary always contained a streak of [[right-wing populism]]."<ref name="CurrieMiller">Duncan Currie, [http://www.nationalreview.com/article/207356/dennis-right-wing-menace-duncan-currie Dennis the Right-Wing Menace?], ''National Review'' (July 27, 2003).</ref> After the [[September 11 attacks]], Miller's views, particularly on foreign and defense policy, drifted further to the right.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160828060011/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-humor_cons3_ige9fikf-photo.html Dennis Miller], ''Los Angeles Times'' (2016): "Miller's generally libertarian politics took a sharp right turn shortly after Sept. 11. Now with his material falling on the consistently conservative side, Miller makes regular appearances on Fox News staples..."</ref>
* [[Grover Norquist]], anti-tax activist and Republican figure; economic libertarian identified with "support for [[supply-side economics]] and [[Climate change denial|skepticism about climate science]]."<ref>{{cite web|last=Hunter|first=Jack |url=http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/in-defense-of-grover-norquist/ |title=In Defense of Grover Norquist|publisher=The American Conservative|date=November 30, 2012}}</ref><ref>[[Jonathan Chait]], [https://newrepublic.com/article/84266/should-liberals-be-more-grateful-grover-norquist Should Liberals Be More Grateful to Grover Norquist?], ''New Republic'' (February 28, 2011): "[L]ibertarianism has many variations. Grover Norquist is a libertarian, and he has also decided to work entirely through the Republican Party and the conservative movement...The Kochs, like Norquist, define libertarianism primarily in economic terms. And they define economic libertarianism as support for supply-side economics and skepticism about climate science."</ref>
* [[Grover Norquist]], anti-tax activist and Republican figure; economic libertarian identified with "support for [[supply-side economics]] and [[Climate change denial|skepticism about climate science]]."<ref>{{cite web|last=Hunter|first=Jack |url=http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/in-defense-of-grover-norquist/ |title=In Defense of Grover Norquist|publisher=The American Conservative|date=November 30, 2012}}</ref><ref>[[Jonathan Chait]], [https://newrepublic.com/article/84266/should-liberals-be-more-grateful-grover-norquist Should Liberals Be More Grateful to Grover Norquist?], ''New Republic'' (February 28, 2011): "[L]ibertarianism has many variations. Grover Norquist is a libertarian, and he has also decided to work entirely through the Republican Party and the conservative movement...The Kochs, like Norquist, define libertarianism primarily in economic terms. And they define economic libertarianism as support for supply-side economics and skepticism about climate science."</ref>
* [[P. J. O'Rourke]], humorist, author – libertarian-conservative Republican, although he endorsed Democratic nominee [[Hillary Clinton]] in the 2016 presidential campaign.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2016/s4509461.htm PJ O'Rourke, Satirist and Journalist] (interview with Matt Wordsworth), ''Lateline'' [[ABC News (Australia)]] (July 28, 2016): "What drives a libertarian Republican to endorse a big government Democrat?"</ref><ref>[http://www.salon.com/2015/09/24/p_j_orourke_on_why_trump_will_collapse_ann_coulters_a_fraud_and_how_national_lampoon_created_modern_comedy/ P.J. O'Rourke on why Trump will collapse, Ann Coulter's a fraud, and how National Lampoon created modern comedy], ''Salon'' (interview with Andrew O'Hehir) (September 24, 2015): "Since at least the mid-'80s, O'Rourke has tried to stake out a zone on the libertarian-conservative wing of the Republican Party."</ref>
* [[P. J. O'Rourke]], humorist, author – libertarian-conservative Republican, although he endorsed Democratic nominee [[Hillary Clinton]] in the 2016 presidential campaign.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2016/s4509461.htm PJ O'Rourke, Satirist and Journalist] (interview with Matt Wordsworth), ''Lateline'' [[ABC News (Australia)]] (July 28, 2016): "What drives a libertarian Republican to endorse a big government Democrat?"</ref><ref>[http://www.salon.com/2015/09/24/p_j_orourke_on_why_trump_will_collapse_ann_coulters_a_fraud_and_how_national_lampoon_created_modern_comedy/ P.J. O'Rourke on why Trump will collapse, Ann Coulter's a fraud, and how National Lampoon created modern comedy], ''Salon'' (interview with Andrew O'Hehir) (September 24, 2015): "Since at least the mid-'80s, O'Rourke has tried to stake out a zone on the libertarian-conservative wing of the Republican Party."</ref>
* [[Austin Petersen]], former Libertarian Party presidential candidate and former Republican candidate for [[United States Senate election in Missouri, 2018#Republican primary|US Senate in Missouri in 2018]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reason.com/blog/2017/07/04/austin-peterson-podcast|title=Exclusive: Libertarian Activist Austin Petersen Is Running for U.S. Senate...as a Republican! [Reason Podcast]|date=July 4, 2017|access-date=July 30, 2017}}</ref>
* [[Austin Petersen]], former Libertarian Party presidential candidate and former Republican candidate for [[United States Senate election in Missouri, 2018#Republican primary|US Senate in Missouri in 2018]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reason.com/blog/2017/07/04/austin-peterson-podcast|title=Exclusive: Libertarian Activist Austin Petersen Is Running for U.S. Senate...as a Republican! [Reason Podcast]|date=July 4, 2017|access-date=July 30, 2017}}</ref>
* [[Kid Rock]], musician, self-described as libertarian-leaning.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/11/kid-rock-republican-embarrassed_n_3061345.html|title=Kid Rock On Republicans: 'I'm F--king Embarrassed'|last=Makarechi|first=Kia|date=2013-04-11|work=Huffington Post|access-date=2017-04-14|language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Wayne Allyn Root]], author and radio host<ref>{{cite web | url=http://reason.com/blog/2012/09/14/an-exit-interview-with-wayne-allyn-root | title=An Exit Interview With Wayne Allyn Root | work=[[Reason (magazine)|Reason]] | date=September 14, 2012 | access-date=September 14, 2012 | author=Quinn, Garrett}}</ref>
* [[Wayne Allyn Root]], author and radio host<ref>{{cite web | url=http://reason.com/blog/2012/09/14/an-exit-interview-with-wayne-allyn-root | title=An Exit Interview With Wayne Allyn Root | work=[[Reason (magazine)|Reason]] | date=September 14, 2012 | access-date=September 14, 2012 | author=Quinn, Garrett}}</ref>
* [[Peter Schiff]], investment broker – described as "libertarian" or "libertarian-leaning";<ref>Jason Brennan, ''Libertarianism: What Everyone Needs to Know'' [[Oxford University Press]], pp. 35, 169.</ref> unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for the [[United States Senate election in Connecticut, 2010|2010 election for U.S. Senate in Connecticut]].<ref>Brian Doherty, [http://reason.com/blog/2010/08/10/peter-schiff-losing-gop-senate Peter Schiff Losing GOP Senate Primary in Connecticut], ''Reason'' (August 10, 2010).</ref>
* [[Peter Schiff]], investment broker – described as "libertarian" or "libertarian-leaning";<ref>Jason Brennan, ''Libertarianism: What Everyone Needs to Know'' [[Oxford University Press]], pp. 35, 169.</ref> unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for the [[United States Senate election in Connecticut, 2010|2010 election for U.S. Senate in Connecticut]].<ref>Brian Doherty, [http://reason.com/blog/2010/08/10/peter-schiff-losing-gop-senate Peter Schiff Losing GOP Senate Primary in Connecticut], ''Reason'' (August 10, 2010).</ref>
* [[Mark Spitznagel]], hedge fund manager<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worth.com/index.php/component/content/article/2-make/7091-the-goat-whisperer |title=The Goat Whisperer |work=[[Worth (magazine)|Worth]] |date=December 1, 2014 |author=Bradley, Richard |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218093357/http://www.worth.com/index.php/component/content/article/2-make/7091-the-goat-whisperer |archive-date=December 18, 2014 }}</ref>
* [[Mark Spitznagel]], hedge fund manager<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worth.com/index.php/component/content/article/2-make/7091-the-goat-whisperer |title=The Goat Whisperer |work=[[Worth (magazine)|Worth]] |date=December 1, 2014 |author=Bradley, Richard |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218093357/http://www.worth.com/index.php/component/content/article/2-make/7091-the-goat-whisperer |archive-date=December 18, 2014 }}</ref>
* [[Roger Stone]], Republican political consultant, lobbyist and strategist, self-described libertarian.<ref>Javier E. David, [https://www.cnbc.com/2017/04/01/roger-stone-calls-on-trump-to-back-legal-marijuana-hits-sessions-for-outmoded-thinking.html Roger Stone calls on Trump to back legal marijuana, hits Sessions for 'outmoded thinking'], CNBC (April 1, 2017).</ref>
* [[Peter Thiel]], Silicon Valley businessman, [[PayPal]] co-founder – a registered Republican and self-described libertarian.<ref>Christine Mai-Duc, [https://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/la-na-republican-convention-2016-trump-peter-thiel-the-openly-gay-1469141855-htmlstory.html Silicon Valley tech mogul Peter Thiel to make history as he declares he's proud to be gay on the RNC stage], ''Los Angeles Times'' (July 22, 2016).</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0910/42711.html|title=They're gay, conservative and proud | work=[[Politico (newspaper)|Politico]]|date=September 14, 2012|author=Ben Smith|quote=Thiel ... [is] a prominent supporter of libertarian causes.}}</ref>
* [[Peter Thiel]], Silicon Valley businessman, [[PayPal]] co-founder – a registered Republican and self-described libertarian.<ref>Christine Mai-Duc, [https://www.latimes.com/nation/politics/trailguide/la-na-republican-convention-2016-trump-peter-thiel-the-openly-gay-1469141855-htmlstory.html Silicon Valley tech mogul Peter Thiel to make history as he declares he's proud to be gay on the RNC stage], ''Los Angeles Times'' (July 22, 2016).</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0910/42711.html|title=They're gay, conservative and proud | work=[[Politico (newspaper)|Politico]]|date=September 14, 2012|author=Ben Smith|quote=Thiel ... [is] a prominent supporter of libertarian causes.}}</ref>
* [[Vince Vaughn]], actor, self-professed libertarian.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theadvocates.org/2015/02/vince-vaughn-im-libertarian/|title = Vince Vaughn: I'm a Libertarian|date = 19 February 2015}}</ref>
* Tho Bishop, Economist and fellow of the [[Mises Institute]]


== See also ==
== See also ==

Revision as of 19:26, 2 July 2024

This article is part of a series on
Libertarianism
in the United States
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See also

In American politics, a Libertarian Republican is a politician or Republican Party member who has advocated Libertarian policies while typically voting for and being involved with the Republican Party.

Beliefs and size

See also: Factions in the Republican Party (United States)

The Republican Party has historically been divided into factions. In 2012, the libertarian branch of the party was described as smaller than other branches, including Tea Party voters (the "populist, Pro-limited government Tea Party wing" of the party), pragmatic "Main Street" Republicans, and evangelical Christian conservatives.[1] According to a 2012 New York Times analysis, libertarian Republicans have a variety of motivating issues. On economic and domestic policy, they favor deregulation and tax cuts, repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and protecting gun rights.[1] On social issues, they favor privacy and oppose the USA Patriot Act and oppose the War on Drugs.[1] On foreign and defense policy, libertarian Republicans are non-interventionists.[1] Some libertarians favor abortion rights, while other libertarian Republicans oppose abortion.[1] Two-thirds of libertarian Republicans are males.[1]

In a 2014 Pew Research Center survey on political typology and polarization, 12% of Republicans described themselves as libertarian.[2] In a 2023 New York Times poll of the Republican coalition, 14% of Republicans were considered Libertarian conservatives. As of August 2023, 38% support providing additional support to Ukraine, 34% support cutting corporate taxes over raising tariffs, 19% consider themselves very conservative, 45% believe abortion should be mostly or always legal, 51% are against comprehensive immigration reform, 73% say they favor the "protection of individual freedom over traditional values", and 13% want a candidate who would "fight corporations that promote woke left ideology." In the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries, 43% would vote for Donald Trump and 12% would vote for Ron DeSantis.[3]

Organizations

The Republican Liberty Caucus, which describes itself as "the oldest continuously operating organization in the Liberty Republican movement with state charters nationwide," was founded in 1991.[4] In the 1990s the group's chairs included Chuck Muth, Roger MacBride, and Congressman Ron Paul; in the 2000s, the group's chairs included Dave Nalle.[4] The group's statement of principles affirms "the principle that individual rights and liberties are unlimited" and calls for free trade; the "privatization of all government assets"; the abolition of many federal agencies; the repeal of most current federal taxes in favor of a single flat income tax or national sales tax; and the phase-out of "compulsory government retirement, disability, and health programs."[5]

The House Liberty Caucus is a congressional caucus formed by Libertarian Representative Justin Amash of Michigan, at the time a Republican. In 2014, the group "consisted of about 30 libertarian-inclined Republicans (and occasional Democratic visitors like Jared Polis)."[6] In February 2019, Politico reported that the House Liberty Caucus had eight members.[7] The list of congressional member organizations (CMOs) for the 118th Congress indicates that Warren Davidson is the leader of the Congressional Liberty Caucus.[8]

Public figures

Thomas Massie
Ron Paul
Rand Paul
Mike Lee
William Weld

Cabinet-level officials

Representatives

  • Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky – described as "a Northern Kentucky Republican with libertarian leanings,"[10] Massie is a "self-styled libertarian"[11] who has received libertarian support, although he has also described himself as a "'constitutional conservative' within the Republican Party."[12]
  • Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida – self-describes as a "libertarian populist" and described by media as having a "strong libertarian streak".[13][14]
  • Representative Tom McClintock of California – described as "libertarian leaning" by Reason magazine.[15]
  • Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina - Described to have a "fusion" of Libertarian views[16]

Former representatives

Senators

  • Rand Paul, U.S. Senator from Kentucky (2011–present) – is sometimes regarded as libertarian-leaning,[29] and has on multiple occasions described himself as such when discussing matters like the national debt and other economic issues, domestic surveillance, foreign military intervention, and the war on drugs. However, David Boaz of the Cato Institute notes that "Paul doesn't claim to be a libertarian, and he takes positions that many libertarians disagree with."[30]
  • Mike Lee, U.S. Senator from Utah (2011–present) – described as an economic and civil libertarian.[31][32]

Former senators

State governors

Former governors

  • Gary Johnson, 29th Governor of New Mexico (1995–2003) – served two terms as governor as a Republican and ran for President as a Republican in 2011,[37] but switched from the Republican Party to the Libertarian Party later that year,[38] serving as the Libertarian nominee for president in 2012 and 2016 and running for the U.S. Senate as a Libertarian in 2018.
  • William Weld, 68th Governor of Massachusetts (1991–1997) – As a Republican governor of Massachusetts, Weld self-identified as a libertarian Republican.[39] Later, Weld drifted toward the Libertarian Party. In 2006, Weld unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for New York governor; he gained the Libertarian Party endorsement that year before dropping out of the race.[40] In 2016, Weld joined the Libertarian Party to run for vice president as the running mate of Gary Johnson.[41] In 2019, Weld rejoined the Republican Party to launch a primary challenge to President Donald Trump.[42]

State legislators

Former

Authors and scholars

Others

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "A New Guide to the Republican Herd".
  2. ^ "In search of libertarians".
  3. ^ "The 6 Kinds of Republican Voters".
  4. ^ a b []https://rlc.org/history-of-the-rlc/]
  5. ^ "Statement of Principles & Positions". Republican Liberty Caucus. Retrieved 2019-10-30.
  6. ^ Robert Drape, Has the 'Libertarian Moment' Finally Arrived?, New York Times Magazine (August 7, 2016).
  7. ^ Ferris, Sarah (February 26, 2019). "House votes to block Trump's national emergency declaration". POLITICO.
  8. ^ "118th Congress Congressional Member Organizations (CMOs)" (PDF). cha.house.gov. Retrieved November 8, 2023.
  9. ^ "The End of the Libertarian Dream?". Politico. 8 May 2020.
  10. ^ Deirdre Shesgreen, Ryan wins speaker's job without Massie, as Ohio Dem considers bid to oust Pelosi, USA Today (November 15, 2016).
  11. ^ Emma Dumain, Snowden Has a Few Defenders on the Hill, Roll Call (June 10, 2013).
  12. ^ Jeffrey Mervis, Meet Representative Thomas Massie: A Constitutional Conservative With an MIT Pedigree, Science (November 21, 2012).
  13. ^ Tracy, Abigail (March 3, 2020). ""The President's Big Into Buddy Checks": In the MAGA Circus with Matt Gaetz, Trump's Ultimate Protégé". Vanity Fair.
  14. ^ "Matt Gaetz Is Having a Bad Hair Day". Rolling Stone. February 13, 2020. Gaetz has a strong libertarian streak and (at times) has expressed support for legalized marijuana and LGBTQ rights
  15. ^ "How Not to Build a Transpartisan Coalition for Police Reform". 12 June 2020.
  16. ^ "Nancy Mace fights to keep fusionism in Congress". 13 June 2022.
  17. ^ Garrett Quinn (2012-05-30). "Justin Amash Defends Congress' Only Libertarian Seat: Democrats (and at least one moderate Republican) are taking aim at the "next Ron Paul."". Reason.com. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  18. ^ "Former Rep. Justin Amash enters Michigan's jumbled GOP Senate primary". NBC News. 2024-02-29. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
  19. ^ "Republicans are trying to unseat their own congressperson because he officiated a same-sex wedding". 12 May 2020.
  20. ^ "The earliest libertarian to gain standing within the Republican Party was Dana Rohrabacher". Archived from the original on June 26, 2012.
  21. ^ Josh Goodman, South Carolina's "Libertarian" Governor Archived 2016-09-16 at the Wayback Machine, Governing (August 4, 2008).
  22. ^ Emma Dumain, Mark Sanford turned down offer to run for Libertarian Party VP, The Post and Courier (June 16, 2016).
  23. ^ "Rising Star Ted Yoho, 'Republican with Libertarian Slant'". 17 August 2012.
  24. ^ "Bob Barr, Civil Libertarian". Reason.com. December 2003. Retrieved 2013-06-24.
  25. ^ Melanie Starkey (November 7, 2012). "113th Congress: Kerry Bentivolio, R-Mich. (11th District)". CQ Today. Congressional Quarterly. The libertarian-leaning Kerry Bentivolio secured his first elected position by running as an outsider...
  26. ^ Adam C. Smith & Alex Leary, Maverick Connie Mack keeps GOP Senate field waiting on 2012 run Archived 2016-08-27 at the Wayback Machine, Tampa Bay Times (February 18, 2011).
  27. ^ John Harwood, Libertarian Legion Stands Ready to Accept Torch From Paul, New York Times (August 25, 2012).
  28. ^ Brian Doherty, After Ron Paul, Then What?, New York Times (February 9, 2013).
  29. ^ Robert Draper, Has the 'Libertarian Moment' Finally Arrived?, New York Times Magazine (August 7, 2014).
  30. ^ David Boaz, Is Rand Paul a Real Libertarian?, Newsweek (April 6, 2015).
  31. ^ Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry, [1], The Week (January 13, 2016).
  32. ^ Nick Gillespie, GOP Should Side with Civil Libertarians Rand Paul and Mike Lee, Not Mitch McConnell and Tom Cotton, on Patriot Act Provisions, Reason (May 20, 2015).
  33. ^ Fools Goldwater Archived March 4, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. National Review, 7-30-2006. Retrieved April 16, 2011.
  34. ^ Rothbard, Murray N. (February 25, 1972). "Exclusive Interview With Murray Rothbard". The New Banner: A Fortnightly Libertarian Journal.
  35. ^ "'This fever will break': Republican Jeff Flake on the slow fade of Trumpism | Republicans | the Guardian".
  36. ^ "Chris Sununu on the Issues". www.ontheissues.org. Retrieved 2018-12-18.
  37. ^ "Johnson said he's open to running as a Republican again". New Mexico Telegram. 12 June 2013. Archived from the original on June 21, 2013. Retrieved 16 June 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  38. ^ Kelly David Burke, Gary Johnson Switches to Libertarian Party, Fox News (December 28, 2011).
  39. ^ "A Libertarian Ticket Sane Republicans Can Get Behind | Cato Institute". Archived from the original on 2016-05-21.
  40. ^ Bill Weld Drops out of New York Gubernatorial Race, Associated Press (June 6, 2006).
  41. ^ "Libertarian Gary Johnson picks former Mass. governor for VP". The Hill. May 18, 2019.
  42. ^ "Bill Weld officially announces he is challenging Trump for GOP nomination in 2020". CNN. April 16, 2019.
  43. ^ "Delegate Joins Senate Race to Challenge Tim Kaine". U.S. News & World Report. Associated Press. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  44. ^ Scott Powers (July 16, 2021). "Stephanie Murphy collects $800K as Republicans stake CD 7 challenges". Florida Politics.
  45. ^ Moretto, Mario; Staff, B. D. N. (11 August 2013). "Libertarian group commends 10 GOP lawmakers, calls 21 Democrats 'constitutional threats'". The Bangor Daily News. Retrieved 2017-07-30.
  46. ^ Garrett Quinn, Libertarian(ish) Candidates: If you want to find a few liberty-loving politicos, look lower on the ballot, Reason (November 2012).
  47. ^ Milton Friedman on the Charlie Rose Show Archived February 4, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. PBS, November 2005. Retrieved April 16, 2011.
  48. ^ "Glenn Jacobs, expected to be elected mayor is a libertarian. What that means for Knox County". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved 2018-09-13.
  49. ^ McKirdy, Euan. "WWE wrestler Kane wins bid for Knox County mayor". CNN. Retrieved 2018-09-13.
  50. ^ Grove, Lloyd. "Lisa Kennedy Montgomery on Her Path From MTV to Fox Business." The Daily Beast. 2013-12-09. Retrieved 2016-02-01.
  51. ^ Hunter, Jack (November 30, 2012). "In Defense of Grover Norquist". The American Conservative.
  52. ^ Jonathan Chait, Should Liberals Be More Grateful to Grover Norquist?, New Republic (February 28, 2011): "[L]ibertarianism has many variations. Grover Norquist is a libertarian, and he has also decided to work entirely through the Republican Party and the conservative movement...The Kochs, like Norquist, define libertarianism primarily in economic terms. And they define economic libertarianism as support for supply-side economics and skepticism about climate science."
  53. ^ PJ O'Rourke, Satirist and Journalist (interview with Matt Wordsworth), Lateline ABC News (Australia) (July 28, 2016): "What drives a libertarian Republican to endorse a big government Democrat?"
  54. ^ P.J. O'Rourke on why Trump will collapse, Ann Coulter's a fraud, and how National Lampoon created modern comedy, Salon (interview with Andrew O'Hehir) (September 24, 2015): "Since at least the mid-'80s, O'Rourke has tried to stake out a zone on the libertarian-conservative wing of the Republican Party."
  55. ^ "Exclusive: Libertarian Activist Austin Petersen Is Running for U.S. Senate...as a Republican! [Reason Podcast]". July 4, 2017. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
  56. ^ Quinn, Garrett (September 14, 2012). "An Exit Interview With Wayne Allyn Root". Reason. Retrieved September 14, 2012.
  57. ^ Jason Brennan, Libertarianism: What Everyone Needs to Know Oxford University Press, pp. 35, 169.
  58. ^ Brian Doherty, Peter Schiff Losing GOP Senate Primary in Connecticut, Reason (August 10, 2010).
  59. ^ Bradley, Richard (December 1, 2014). "The Goat Whisperer". Worth. Archived from the original on December 18, 2014.
  60. ^ Christine Mai-Duc, Silicon Valley tech mogul Peter Thiel to make history as he declares he's proud to be gay on the RNC stage, Los Angeles Times (July 22, 2016).
  61. ^ Ben Smith (September 14, 2012). "They're gay, conservative and proud". Politico. Thiel ... [is] a prominent supporter of libertarian causes.
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