Libertarian National Committee Issues Demand Letter to Former Chair

The Libertarian National Committee is pursuing restitution from former national chair Angela McArdle over payments made to Freedom Calls, LLC, a fundraising firm contracted during her tenure that was linked to her partner without prior disclosure. The organization said it issued a demand letter this month.

During the LNC’s December 6 meeting in Dallas, Texas, Chair Steven Nekhaila reported that he mailed McArdle the demand letter the previous afternoon on behalf of the organization. He said the request seeks restitution for “just under $50,000,” an amount consistent with figures outlined earlier this year in a report by a Special Investigatory Committee, and noted that the action was taken under authority previously granted by the national committee.

Nekhaila said the letter was sent after the appeal window concluded for a lawsuit filed by former Region 7 Representative Beth Vest. In May 2024, shortly before her term ended, Vest filed a derivative lawsuit alleging that McArdle engaged in conduct detrimental to the organization, had used her position for personal benefit, and violated party bylaws. The complaint sought McArdle’s removal as chair and a permanent bar on her holding future office within the party.

A second derivative lawsuit, filed in October 2024 and listing then-Secretary Caryn Ann Harlos as plaintiff, made similar allegations. The two cases were consolidated later in 2024.

The consolidated case proceeded into 2025. However, in October, a D.C. Superior Court judge dismissed the suit, ruling that McArdle’s earlier January resignation rendered the request for her removal moot and finding that it otherwise lacked statutory authority to impose a future-office ban. The court also rejected a demand from Vest for inspection of internal LNC records, stating that the LNC is a “non-membership corporation” under District law and thus not subject to those rights. It did not make a determination on her underlying allegations regarding McArdle’s conduct.

The LNC’s demand letter seeks to recoup money spent by the organization on Freedom Calls, LLC, a Delaware-based firm contracted during the 2024 election cycle to conduct fundraising work. Documentation later compiled by Libertarian Party member Jake Porter indicated the company was connected to McArdle’s partner, Austin Padgett, a relationship that was not disclosed to the LNC during the period the contract was active.

A Special Investigatory Committee was appointed by the LNC to look into the situation further following McArdle’s resignation. In its 94-page report, the committee concluded that McArdle engaged in “gross fiduciary violations,” failed to disclose conflicts of interest, and misused donor funds for unauthorized activities. It also found that the LNC ultimately paid Freedom Calls around $45,600 while receiving only a fraction of that amount back in donations.

The SIC further stated that the party could pursue legal action to recover the money paid to Freedom Calls but warned that using general funds to cover the cost of litigation and discovery could outweigh any potential recovery unless outside donors or pro bono legal representation became available. Independent Political Report is unaware of what legal representation, if any, is being used by the organization.

Nekhaila added the LNC is now awaiting whatever next steps follow McArdle’s receipt of the demand letter.

Editorial note: Independent Political Report uses web hosting services from a consulting company owned by Jake Porter. He was not consulted for this article, nor did he contribute to it.