Members of the Libertarian National Committee elected Andrew Watkins, the current Region 5 Representative on the committee, to Vice Chair, filling a vacancy created earlier in the year. The vote, open since March 6, formally ends later today; however, all members have cast their vote before the deadline.
Fourteen members of the Libertarian National Committee—a supermajority—threw their support behind Andrew Watkins. Watkins, a member of the Libertarian National Committee himself, chose to abstain. Jonathan McGree, the other nominated candidate in the race, won a single vote from Dave Benner, although Benner added his region would be satisfied with either choice.
Watkins, who’s from Virginia, has been a member of the Libertarian National Committee since last May. Before being elected to the LNC, he was chair of Virginia’s Hampton Roads local Libertarian Party affiliate. He is also the Virginia state organizer for the Libertarian Party Mises Caucus.
In his initial nomination speech, Watkins favored keeping a professional culture. In particular, one inclusive of “good, clear communication, encouragement, and constructive criticism.” He also remarked on the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and broadly criticized past members of the Libertarian National Committees for not doing so.
“Social media is not the Libertarian Party,” he stated.
Watkins’ ascension to the position of the vice chair also means he must vacate his former position. Otto Dassing, an At-Large Member of the Libertarian Party of Delaware, is the current Region 5 Alternative.