Libertarian candidates for North Carolina public office launch 2018 political campaigns, offering real choice and effective solutions to questions facing Wake County voters.

The typically quiet Wake County Board of Elections filing office in downtown Raleigh began to buzz with activity on a Tuesday morning. Political candidates arrived with campaign treasurers and coordinators in tow. Reporters and photographers scribbled notes and snapped photos. Political party leaders circulated among the crowd, shaking hands. The scene was more high-energy political rally than pragmatic paperwork, but that is what happens when fifteen Libertarian candidates for General Assembly, N.C. Court of Appeals, and U.S. Congress arrive to make their official declaration to run for office.

“Wake County, itself, is a combination of diverse people,” observed Libertarian Party of Wake County candidate coordinator Tim Smario.  “Urban and rural, ethnicity and race, men and women, young and old, it is an exciting and dynamic mix that is also reflected in our Libertarian candidates.”

(photo: State House Candidate Liam Leaver, U.S. Congress Candidate Jeff Matemu, State Senate Candidate Richard Haygood and State House candidate Cap Hayes mark the occasion with a photo)

With the number and diversity of candidates on hand, along with the unprecedented growth of Libertarians in the county and across North Carolina, the Libertarian Party is breaking new ground. In every corner of Wake County, voters will have at least two, and in some areas up to four, Libertarian Party candidates at the top of their ballot this November.

“The WakeLP's impact on the 2018 election starts today,” announced Wake party chair David Ulmer. “This November, Wake County voters will have unprecedented choice beyond the usual establishment party candidates.”

(photo: State Senate candidate Bruce Basson, N.C. Court of Appeals candidate Michael Monaco, State House candidate Travis Groo, State House candidate Liam Leaver, State House candidate David Ulmer and State Senate candidate Brad Hessel pose for a group photo.)

That is a choice many voters want. People in North Carolina are abandoning the establishment parties in unprecedented numbers. In Wake County, unaffiliated voters far outnumber registered Republicans and have nearly drawn par with Democrats, according to State Board of Elections statistics. This distribution is mirrored statewide.

Many voters in Wake County have not heard of Libertarians, are not familiar with their principled, liberty-based approach to fair and respectful government, or simply have not been convinced that they are a viable option for public office. But if the excitement and focus amongst these Libertarian candidates is any indication, that is about to change.

“Families want to be more involved in education choices for their children. Businesses of all sizes want to better serve their customers and support their employees. People want access to the high-quality, affordable healthcare options that are right for them,” outlined Bruce Basson, Libertarian candidate for North Carolina Senate. “There are better ways for state government to support a dynamic and growing North Carolina.”

(photo: State House Candidate Travis Groo discusses the issues important to Wake County voters with a local journalist.)

Although the November election seems far in the future, this event marked a pivot toward communicating real, credible, practical, libertarian solutions to the political questions facing voters. Noting that fact, Ulmer observed, “While more Libertarian candidates have the opportunity to file over the next two weeks, the enthusiastic and committed Libertarians filing today demonstrate that the Libertarian Party is ready to offer serious, credible alternatives.”

Libertarian Candidates in Wake County who filed include: Richard Haygood, Senate 14; Brian Lewis, Senate 15; Brian Irving, Senate 16; Bruce Basson, Senate 17; Brad Hessel, Senate 18; Travis Groo, House 11; Cap Hayes, House 34; Michael Nelson, House 35; Robyn Haley Pegram, House 36; Bobby Yates Emory, House 38; Martin Edwin Matuszewski, House 39; David Ulmer, House 40, and; Liam Leaver, House 41.