Chris Laurent Resigns as Chair of Libertarian Party of Chicago Over Differences in Mission

Chris Laurent has resigned as chair of the Libertarian Party of Chicago, leaving the position effective immediately over what he called differences in ideals regarding the organization’s overall mission.

In a resignation letter dated June 13 and shared with Independent Political Report, Laurent asked members of the city-based affiliate to accept his formal resignation as chair. He wrote that serving in the role had been “a privilege and an honor” and that he was grateful for the opportunity to work alongside members committed to advancing the organization’s mission.

“After careful consideration, I have decided that it is time for me to step down from this leadership role due primarily to differences in ideals on the overall mission,” Laurent wrote. “While this decision was not made lightly, I am confident that the organization is positioned for continued success under new leadership.”

Laurent, who assumed the chair position following the party’s January meeting, did not elaborate in the letter on the specific disagreements in vision that led to his resignation, nor did he suggest that he would be leaving the Libertarian Party.

Laurent is among a handful of elected Libertarian Party members in Illinois, having been elected in 2023 to Chicago’s 14th Police District Council. The party also celebrated his victory at the time as the first election of a member in Chicago. The council is one of 22 elected district-level bodies created as part of Chicago’s civilian police oversight system.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished together during my tenure and appreciate the relationships and experiences I have gained through my service,” Laurent wrote. “I remain deeply supportive of the organization’s mission and wish the board and leadership team continued success in the future.”

Under the city affiliate’s bylaws, a vacancy in the chair position is filled at the next monthly chapter meeting. The bylaws also state that the vice chair performs the duties of the chair in the chair’s absence until that vacancy is filled.