The Libertarian National Committee met for a special meeting over the weekend, during which members selected Evan McMahon, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Indiana, to serve as the next National Secretary. McMahon was elected after multiple rounds of voting.
The election followed the resignation of former National Secretary Caryn Ann Harlos earlier this month, who cited frustrations with Chair Steven Nekhaila and the broader LNC. In a statement posted to the LNC’s public business list at the time, Harlos said she had lost confidence in Nekhaila’s leadership and alleged that harassment complaints she filed under the party’s Policy Manual were never addressed. She also accused At-large Representative Adrian F Malagon of abusive behavior toward her and others, calling for his immediate resignation and an investigation into his conduct.
The election of a new National Secretary was one of several items taken up by the LNC on Sunday. Other business included filling subcommittee vacancies, amending the Policy Manual, and ratifying the constitution of the International Alliance of Libertarian Parties. The committee also debated a motion to investigate Malagon’s conduct after a motion was made by another member following Harlos’ resignation, though the motion ultimately failed.
Four nominations were submitted for the position. These included Adrian F Malagon, who had been serving as secretary pro tem since Harlos’ resignation; Ben Weir, Region 6 Alternate and Chair of the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire; Andrew Chadderdon, Region 1 Representative; and Evan McMahon, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Indiana.
According to Third Party Watch, which liveblogged Sunday’s meeting, Region 6 Representative Pat Ford also expressed interest in the role but was unable to self-nominate before the deadline.
LNC members ultimately elected McMahon in the third round of voting, selecting him over Malagon in a 9–6 vote. In addition to serving as chair of the Indiana affiliate since 2021, McMahon previously held a seat on the Libertarian National Committee as an At-large member and was a candidate for National Secretary in 2020, when he lost to Harlos. He will serve in the role until the party’s 2026 National Convention, scheduled for next May in Michigan.
Terrible choice. McMahon is too far left and will not work with the right side of the party.
McMahon is competent, qualified, and non-caucus, so he will be targeted by Adrian Malware and his girlfriend Meredith “Rolinda” Hays and the Mises Caucus.
Evan’s a good choice. It will be nice to see things getting back to business!