In preparation for its forthcoming National Convention, the Reform party has released a set of press statements covering different issues. The Reform Party claims:
Reform Party Convention 2023 Fact Sheet
- The Reform Party is a moderate, centrist party founded in 1996 by the supporters of Ross Perot. The Reform Party advocates for a moderate platform centered around common sense, moderate solutions for today’s political issues. It is funded by small donors and has never taken money from political action committees (PACs).
- Reform Party founder Ross Perot gained 19 percent of the popular vote in 1992, and the Reform Party was recognized in 1996 by the FEC. Its FEC status allows for expanded contribution and expenditures compared to most minor parties. FEC recognition means the Reform Party has the potential ability raise and spend within the same limitations of the Democratic and Republican Parties.
- The Reform Party was administratively terminated by the FEC in 2013. In 2021, Reform Party Treasurer David Collision was able to work with the FEC to fix the Reform Party’s status and filed seven years of contributions and expenditures, the party retained its FEC recognition. Since it was revived, the Reform Party has raised more money than any time since 2000.
- The current Chairman of the Reform Party of the United States is Nicholas Hensley, he was elected to serve from January of 2021 to December of 2024. Before serving as the Chairman of the Reform Party, he served as Secretary from January of 2014 to December of 2020. He beat the incumbent Chairman with over 70 percent of the vote. Since the meeting was virtual, the incumbent used his access to lock out certain members. A post-election poll shows that Hensley had support of 90 percent of legal committee members, including those locked out. Nicholas Hensley is from North Carolina.
- The Reform Party of the United States has not held an undisputed convention since 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 2016 Reform Party Long Island, New York Convention had low turnout and is usually documented with an asterisk next to it.
- The 2023 Convention is NOT for selecting a presidential candidate. It is to finalize work that needs the convention seal of approval. Louisiana was selected, because it is necessary to get 5 percent in any statewide race to get ballot access there. Mississippi ballot access can be gained by organizing an affiliate there. The Reform Party of Florida has ballot access, and a nearby convention will strengthen the party affiliate. The Reform Party realized a convention in this area was strategic.
- The Reform Party has already planned three fundraising events at the convention. It will hold a raffle, a doughnut and coffee breakfast on the Saturday morning of the convention, and a fundraiser the night before the event.
- The 2023 Convention is partially practice for the 2024 nominating convention.
- While trying to make foundational changes to the Reform Party, the Reform Party has won four local offices in the past eighteen months.
- Currently the Reform Party of the United States has two candidates for local offices. In Jacksonville, Florida, Jack Meeks is running for city council at large district 5. Robert Giordano is running for Yorktown, New York town council.
- Stating only facts: Currently five candidates have declared for the Reform Party 2024 nomination but are not receiving serious consideration by the party membership. They are Jana Hughes, Michael Wood, Bob Wollner, Ashley Powell and Phillip Drake. Reform Party Vice Chairman Shawn Storm has hinted at a possible run. There is a group within the party that would like former Congressman Artur Davis to run for the Reform Party nomination, but it is unknown if that conversation has taken place. Former Congressman Gene Taylor’s name has also been tossed around as a potential candidate.
- The Reform Party has taken over the platform of the folded National Democracy Party and sent its platform and documents to be archived. This included the party’s membership list, the Reform Party is reaching out to its members.
- The Reform Party is considering moving away from its eagle logo because it is like many other political organizations’ logo.