Libertarian Party Disaffiliates New Hampshire Affiliate Over Trump Endorsement and Extremist Conduct

The Libertarian National Committee (LNC) voted 15-2 to terminate the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire’s (LPNH) affiliation, citing “numerous anti-libertarian positions” and the state affiliate’s 2024 endorsement of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump as violations of party bylaws.

Boston Globe

In the months before the vote, LPNH’s X account posted homophobic slurs against Libertarian nominee Chase Oliver, a statement condoning Vice President Kamala Harris’s assassination, and a claim that killing a New Hampshire politician who supports an income tax would be “perfectly permissible.” The affiliate also endorsed Donald Trump on the eve of the 2024 election, breaching party bylaws. Chair Jeremy Kauffman called the national Libertarian Party ineffective, praised the GOP as a better libertarian vehicle, and at the Libertarian National Convention called members “loser apes.”

Boston Globe

Jeremy Kauffman, 41, LPNH chair, has a record of incendiary remarks and was arrested in April on misdemeanor disorderly conduct charges; his trial is set for July. LNC chair Evan McMahon called the disaffiliation “the unfortunate culmination of years of behavior in violation of the Libertarian Party’s platform.” Former LNC chair Nicholas Sarwark accused Kauffman of using “human rage-bait” to aid Republicans, and former campaign manager Justin O’Donnell said the delegates’ conduct justified the split.

Boston Globe

The LNC gave LPNH 30 days to file an appeal before a Judicial Committee hearing. In an email, Kauffman denied any physical contact during the Market Basket incident, stating, “No one touched each other, no one was within 10 feet of each other, and no one is alleging physical contact.” LPNH has launched a fundraising drive to contest the disaffiliation.

Boston Globe

O’Donnell argued the convention’s conduct showed the need for separation. Sarwark said Kauffman “leans into his status as ‘human rage-bait’ to elicit a desired response.” FBI visited Kauffman’s home after the Harris assassination comment. Court filings allege Kauffman engaged in a physical confrontation, while his email claims no contact. It remains unclear whether LPNH will stop using the national party’s name and logo.

Boston Globe

• “the unfortunate culmination of years of behavior in violation of the Libertarian Party’s platform.” — Evan McMahon, LNC Chair

Boston Globe

• “loser apes.” — Jeremy Kauffman, LPNH Chair (Libertarian National Convention)

Boston Globe

• “No one touched each other, no one was within 10 feet of each other, and no one is alleging physical contact,” — Jeremy Kauffman, email response

Boston Globe

• “He wants to have an argument over the disaffiliation,” — Nicholas Sarwark, former LNC chair

Boston Globe

LPNH has 30 days to appeal; the Judicial Committee will decide whether to uphold the disaffiliation. Observers expect affirmation of the LNC’s vote, allowing a new state affiliate to be recognized.

Boston Globe