Members of the Prohibition Party met last weekend in Buffalo, New York, for their 2023 quadrennial convention. Delegates selected new leaders and nominated their presidential ticket for the 2024 election cycle, in addition to adopting a new party platform.
Convening at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Buffalo-Airport, delegates selected Michael Wood, a retired technology executive, to head the presidential ticket. For a running mate, they chose John Pietrowski.
Two predominant candidates sought the Prohibition Party presidential nod in the months leading up to the convention. Besides Wood, former Division I football player and health and fitness coach Zack “Strength” Kusnir also sought the presidential nomination. Both prospective nominees held leadership roles within the Prohibition National Committee at one point.
While not their preference to lead the presidential ticket, delegates did elect Kusnir to lead the Prohibition National Committee as the new Chair and Treasurer. Joining him is James Hedges, the party’s 2016 nominee and former Prohibition elected official, who delegates elected as Vice Chair, and Jonathan Makeley as Secretary.
Supporters of the Prohibition Party also approved a new party platform. The new platform has been updated to reflect a more modern political reality and addresses multiple critical issues for the party. Examples of positions among them include:
- adequate funding of public schools,
- opposing the expansion of the Supreme Court,
- the belief that each woman should have the right to decide based on her own conscience in regard to the issue of abortion,
- retaining both Medicare and Medicaid,
- a just and inclusive society with equal opportunities for all,
- and an agricultural policy that focuses on regenerative farming practices.
However, the most comprehensive issue outlined in the platform is the Prohibition Party’s signature issue of opposing alcohol, tobacco, and opioids. To that end, the party supports a ban on alcohol and tobacco advertising, an increase in the alcohol excise tax, a ban on cannabis and vaping, and a “sustained program of education” on the dangers of recreational substances.
Readers can view the entire party platform approved at the 2023 convention here.
[Editorial team: Michael Wood is not pursuing the Reform Party nomination in addition to the Prohibition Party nomination. A correction has been issued.]
I am sad to learn that the party is considering to lower its standards on the protection of life in the womb. I pray that you will not submit to the pressure of the world!
It was our “quadrennial nominating convention.” We do not meet annually.