Pat Wright for LPC Chair

Why Am I Running for State Chair of the Libertarian Party of California?

Because our party deserves better.

The Libertarian Party of California has devolved into a dysfunctional, dystopian circular firing squad—more focused on internal battles than advancing liberty. Instead of growing, organizing, and making a real impact, we’ve been stuck in a cycle of infighting and stagnation. That has to change.

It’s time to bring in an old geezer who knows how to get things done.

I was State Chair from 1991-1993, a time when we doubled membership, built a strong, organized party, and worked together toward real progress. Back then, we knew how to unite, strategize, and grow—and we can do it again.

I’m running because I believe in this party, I believe in liberty, and I know we can do better. It’s time to rebuild, refocus, and get back to what matters: winning hearts, minds, and elections for liberty.

Are you with me? Let’s get to work.

Declaration of Candidacy for State Chair of the Libertarian Party of California
When in the course of events within the Libertarian Party of California (LPC), it becomes necessary for members to dissolve the bonds of trust with their leadership and to assume among the ranks of activism and advocacy a station of principled and transparent governance to which the ideals of liberty entitle them, a decent respect for the opinions of the membership requires a clear declaration of the causes that compel such change.
We hold these truths to be self-evident:
  • That all members of the LPC are equal stakeholders in its mission.
  • That the Party exists to uphold the principles of liberty, transparency, and self-governance.
  • That its leadership derives its just authority from the consent and trust of its members.
Whenever leadership becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right and duty of the members to alter or replace it, instituting leadership that prioritizes accountability and adheres to the values upon which the Party was founded.
Prudence dictates that Party leadership, long established, should not be changed for light and transient causes. Yet, all experience demonstrates that members are more inclined to endure minor grievances than to act decisively against persistent failings. However, when a pattern of neglect, censorship, and disconnection undermines the principles of the Party, it is the right—and indeed the duty—of the members to demand leadership that will faithfully serve its mission and membership.
The Case for Change
The current administration of the LPC has failed to meet the responsibilities entrusted to it. To substantiate this claim, let the following facts be presented to the membership:
  • Failure to Schedule a Convention: The administration has neglected its most basic duty to schedule and organize a timely convention.
  • Neglect of the Party Website: It has neglected to update the Party website, instead promoting individuals and ideas that stray from libertarian principles.
  • Membership Decline: Dues-paying membership has dropped significantly, reaching its lowest level in decades.
  • Failure to Support Candidates: Leadership has dismissed those running for partisan office as “losers” because these offices are perceived as unwinnable, while failing to recruit candidates for winnable local positions.
  • Lack of Communication: Communication with members has been ineffective, fostering confusion and disconnection.
  • Censorship of Dissent: The administration has prioritized control over dialogue, resorting to censorship of members who express dissent.
These failures cannot be allowed to persist.
A Call to Action
Therefore, I, Pat Wright, announce my candidacy for State Chair of the Libertarian Party of California. It is my unwavering commitment to restore trust, transparency, and accountability to the LPC. As State Chair, I will prioritize:
  • Open Communication: Ensuring members are informed, heard, and valued.
  • Timely Conventions: Meeting deadlines and organizing events that reflect the professionalism and principles of the LPC.
  • Membership Growth: Rebuilding the dues-paying membership to strengthen the Party’s foundation and influence.
  • Support for Candidates: Actively recruiting and supporting candidates for both winnable local offices and broader partisan roles to grow the Libertarian voice in California.
  • Adherence to Libertarian Principles: Upholding the core values of liberty, self-governance, and individual freedom.
A Renewed Era for the LPC
Let this be the beginning of a renewed era for the Libertarian Party of California—one in which members’ voices are respected, leadership embodies the Party’s values, and we stand united as a beacon for liberty and justice. Together, we can uphold the cause of freedom and ensure the LPC thrives in its mission.
Signed,
Pat Wright
Candidate for State Chair
Libertarian Party of California
About Me

I am a San Diego native and a lifelong advocate for liberty and individual rights. My journey with the Libertarian Party began in 1980, working on the Ed Clark presidential campaign. Since then, I’ve taken on both political and activist roles to fight government overreach and champion personal freedom.

Libertarian Party Leadership & Campaigns

  • 1984: Ran for Congress against the corrupt and disgraced Duncan Hunter.
  • 1980s-1990s: Challenged corrupt establishment politicians, including Mike Gotch, who claimed he wouldn’t take developer money—until he did.
  • 1986-1996 (approx.): Served as Chair of the San Diego Libertarian Party, where I also ran the San Diego Libertarian Supper Club, bringing libertarians together for strategy and community.
  • 1991-1993: Elected Chairman of the Libertarian Party of California, where we doubled membership and built a solid, action-oriented organization.
  • 2002: Ran for Lieutenant Governor with the ballot title “Ferret Legalization Coordinator”—a fun fight that confused state officials, especially when it came to translating it into Mandarin.

Ferret Advocacy & Activism

After my second term as LPC Chair, I founded Ferrets Anonymous, leading the charge to legalize ferrets in California, one of only two states that still bans them. Decades later, I’m still at it, working through legal, legislative, and grassroots channels to get the job done. You can see my work at legalizeferrets.org. Running a nonprofit membership organization for over 30 years has given me invaluable experience—something I’ll carry into revitalizing the Libertarian Party of California.

What I’m Doing Now

Currently, I’m semi-retired, though California’s broken policies have made that challenging. After inheriting a duplex, I saw my property tax increase by 1,000% due to Proposition 19—and after three years of red tape, I still couldn’t get a building permit. A successful retirement? That would’ve been nice. Now, I joke that I’m training to be a Walmart greeter instead.

I also run a small, freelance internet marketing business, Panorama Marketing Group, helping small businesses navigate digital marketing, websites, and local SEO.

Personal Life

I’ve had two keys to a successful life: a good inheritance and marrying well. My husband and I share our home with three dogs, two cats, and—of course—two ferrets. Life isn’t that hard when you focus on what matters, and helping rebuild the LPC would be an honor.

Let’s bring back a party that gets things done.

My Goals as State Chairman

Revamp the Website
A website is like a storefront—it should attract and inform. Right now, the LPC’s website features people who have no connection to libertarianism and lacks essential information about our movement. I will overhaul the site to make it a true hub for Libertarians, showcasing our values, initiatives, and ways to get involved.

Grow the LPC

  • Utilize Email Outreach – The Secretary of State’s office provides access to registered Libertarians who opted to share their email addresses. We need to engage them directly.
  • Consistent Member Communication – With my background in email marketing, I will ensure our members receive weekly updates. There’s no shortage of topics to discuss to keep them informed, inspired, and active.
  • Maximize Social Media Presence – We need to be highly visible across all major platforms—Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and more.

Run Candidates—At Every Level

  • Statewide Races – We should start now in assembling a slate of candidates. While we may not make it past the top-two primary system, the campaign period is our chance to show voters we exist, and that we are a real alternative.
  • Strategic Legislative Races – Some seats go unchallenged by major party candidates. We must identify these and ensure a Libertarian is on the ballot.
  • Non-Partisan Offices – Many local races are technically non-partisan but have strong underlying political dynamics. These races offer an opportunity to build relationships and gain influence. But if we win, we must be prepared to govern effectively.

Adapt and Seize Opportunities
There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for growing the LPC. Success comes from consistently executing multiple efforts. I will remain open to new opportunities as they arise and work diligently to expand our reach and impact.

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