The Libertarian Party of Texas announced the unofficial results of its “vote-with-your-dollars” straw poll on Monday. The party is set to host a presidential debate later in April, featuring the top four candidates as part of its state convention.
According to a statement from the Libertarian Party of Texas on X, Lars Mapstead, Michael Rectenwald, Mike ter Maat, and Chase Oliver received the most support in the poll as of Monday morning. Individual voters were required to donate a minimum of $15 to show support for their candidate, with a maximum ceiling of $100. The party stated during the voting process that donations exceeding $100 would be returned.
The results are currently under review, and the party noted that they may change as non-compliant contributions are returned. Below are the preliminary totals:
| Candidate | Donation Total |
| Lars Mapstead | $10,454 |
| Michael Rectenwald | $10,275 |
| Mike ter Maat | $10,235 |
| Chase Oliver | $9,937.24 |
| Charles Ballay | $9,815 |
| Jacob Hornberger | $770 |
| Joshua Smith | $175 |
| Joseph Collins Jr. | $120 |
The Libertarian Party of Texas’s 2024 state convention will convene in Corpus Christi, Texas, on April 12, 2024. Liz Wolfe of Reason Magazine is expected to moderate the presidential debate.
With 4th & 5th place being so close compared to the remaining candidates; any chance LPTX adds a 5th debate slot?
It is a lot cheaper than paying $3,000 or is it $4,000 or is it paying $0, or . . ?
Any guesses how much of Rectenwald’s total is Heise arranging straw donors
Interesting idea.
Pay to bray?
Admittedly, it is creative fundraising.