The Libertarian Party of Colorado has released an updated version of its “Liberty Pledge” for the 2026 election cycle, building on a strategy the party says helped break the Democratic supermajority in the state legislature during the 2024 elections.
First introduced in 2023 with separate requests for Republicans and Democrats, the Liberty Pledge is a written commitment to a set of policy priorities put forward by the party, including reducing taxes, limiting government power, protecting civil liberties, and promoting school choice, though the specifics differ by pledge. The party uses it as a negotiating tool in close races, offering to withhold or withdraw Libertarian candidates in exchange for signed commitments from candidates of other parties.
In an August 19 press release, the party outlined changes to the gubernatorial, federal, state, and local versions. It said the revisions address emerging issues while maintaining a focus on limiting government and protecting individual rights.
The new provisions include a federal-level commitment to complete the work of the proposed Department of Government Efficiency by auditing and eliminating foreign aid spending; stronger language on auditing all levels of government for waste and abuse; limits on emergency powers; whistleblower protections, including calls to pardon Edward Snowden and Roger Ver; and expanded commitments to food freedom, medical autonomy, and Second Amendment rights. The revisions also call for repealing the National Firearms Act.
Gubernatorial signers would specifically pledge to veto tax hikes and expansions of surveillance, while local candidates would promise to oppose red-light cameras and support municipal home-rule authority. The party said these provisions are meant to give voters concrete benchmarks for holding officeholders accountable after Election Day.
The pledges were prepared by a volunteer Liberty Pledge Committee, consisting of State Chair Hannah Goodman, Legislative Director Michael Vance, and Secretary and Executive Director James Wiley. Other members included Jefferson County Affiliate Secretary Will Long, El Paso County Affiliate Chair Rebekah Craig, and Brandon Wark of Free State Colorado.
“The Liberty Pledge isn’t about party loyalty—it’s about outcomes for freedom,” Goodman said. “In 2024, we proved that by working strategically, we can prevent vote-splitting, hold candidates accountable, and win real victories against government tyranny.”
The party said it will again approach candidates from all parties to sign the pledge, noting that past agreements have included Republicans, Democrats and, in 2024, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. State Libertarian leaders also pointed to two high-profile races last cycle as evidence of the strategy’s impact.
According to the party, in Colorado House District 16, Republican Rebecca Keltie signed the Liberty Pledge and went on to defeat Democratic incumbent Stephanie Vigil by three votes after a recount. In the 8th Congressional District, Republican state Rep. Gabe Evans signed a negotiated version of the pledge, prompting Libertarian nominee Eric Joss to withdraw and endorse him. Evans later unseated Democratic U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo, creating an even partisan split in the state’s congressional delegation.
The party organization does not have the ability to ensure that these pledge signers don’t draw Libertarian opponents. A candidate may be nominated by convention and the convention attendees may, or may not, choose to not nominate a prospective candidate for a particular office but a prospective candidate may also qualify for the ballot by petition. The party organization has no means of stopping a candidate who qualifies by petition, and the party leadership cannot prevent the members from nominating a candidate for a particular office at convention if the members vote to do so with that requirement being only 30% of the convention vote.
It is very poor practice on the part of the Colorado Libertarian Party to promise something it cannot be certain it can deliver. Any establishment party candidate signing this pledge is buying a pig in a poke and I would be surprised if any pledges get signed.
“Anything to stop the Democrats who bring us closer to communism every day.”
…and to stop the Republicans who bring us closer to fascism every day.
Smart idea. Anything to stop the Democrats who bring us closer to communism every day.
The absurdity of this lies in several areas.
One, the false idea that Libertarian candidates “take” votes from Republicans. They don’t.
Two, the false idea that Republicans will keep their word. They won’t.
Three, the false idea that Republicans in Colorado have any current relevancy in Democrat-dominated Colorado government. They don’t.
It is rather obvious that the Colorado Libertarian Party does not work for the Libertarian Party, but in fact is doing their best imitation of Don Quixote.
I wonder if the Libertarian Party candidates sign the pledge.
Negotiating with the duopoly gets us nowhere. Libertarians should run in every race humanly possible.