The Libertarian Party has four new officeholders, three Libertarians who won elective office in Tennessee —two new county commissioners and a mayor. In Tennessee, arduous ballot access laws make it nearly impossible to get on the ballot as a Libertarian. So, these three enterprising Libertarians ran as independents and were successful at the ballot box. A fourth Libertarian has been appointed to a library board of trustees in Texas.
In Montgomery County, Tenn., Joshua Beal was elected as county commissioner in District 14 on Aug. 2. Beal campaigned on bucking the status quo, taking on the good-ol’-boys’ network, and never voting for a property tax increase. Beal won with 54.6 percent of the vote, compared to his opponent’s 45 percent.
“I cannot thank everyone enough for their support!” Beal wrote in his victory statement. “Emotions are running very high right now because I have worked so hard for the last 6 months and I am honored to have your trust! This is something that I will not take for granted! Thank you for all the calls, texts, FB messages, etc. that I have received in the last 2 hours…. it’s almost overwhelming but very much appreciated!”
In Smith County, Tenn., Erika Ebel was elected as county commissioner in District 4. The top three out of the six candidates for the position were elected, so Ebel’s 23 percent of the vote propelled her into office. Ebel prevailed by running a personal campaign, knocking on doors, distributing signs, and asking voters what their concerns were. She and her husband Cole, who serves as chair of the Tennessee Libertarian Party, own a restaurant in the district where the food is reportedly amazing. Ebel received extensive help from her son Cason in placing campaign signs.
“I am overwhelmed by all the support, encouragement, and congratulations!” Ebel wrote in her victory statement. “I’m so honored to have been entrusted with the task of representing my community and ready to get to work doing so. Thank you!!!”
In Trousdale County, Tenn., Stephen Chambers was elected as the county’s new mayor, with 55 percent of the vote, upsetting incumbent Mayor Carroll Carman, who received only 45 percent. After his victory, Chambers thanked Carman for running a good campaign and said he would solicit his advice upon taking office. Chambers campaigned on more efficient provision of essential county services and questioned the need for new nonessential services.
“I’ve just been really touched by the support I’ve gotten,” Chambers said during his victory celebration, as reported in the Hartsville Vidette. “I’m blown away. I didn’t know if I had a chance to win. I’m sure tomorrow, I’ll ask my wife if I really won or not. It hasn’t really sunk in yet.”
In Dripping Springs, Texas, Yvonne Adams Schick was appointed to fill an open position on the board of trustees for the Dripping Springs Community Library. This is ordinarily an elected position, so Schick will run to retain her seat in the future.
The Libertarian Party is running hundreds of candidates for local, state, and federal candidates this year. The winning is just beginning.
