Candidates on the Ballot: LPMN Volunteers Deliver for 2026 Libertarian Ballot Access
Libertarian Ballot Access is an important fight in each election cycle. This year, in the span of just two weeks, from May 19th through June 2nd, dedicated LPMN volunteers and supporters from across Minnesota gathered over 5,000 signatures to help our endorsed candidates earn ballot access this cycle. Each candidate brought unique strengths and fresh perspectives that energized petitioners across the state.
This period also coincided with the Libertarian National Convention, which split the time of candidate Rebecca Whiting, who spoke before the convention on Memorial Day. Many members also had to choose between staying home to collect signatures or traveling to represent Minnesota in the wider liberty movement. As a result, the LPMN sent only two Minnesotan delegates, supplemented by a small contingent of friendly out-of-staters.
But the real story was happening here in Minnesota. Chip’s focus on ballot access and election trust, Charles’ emphasis on transparency and data intelligence, TJ’s deep local roots, and Rebecca’s passionate anti-war messaging kept volunteers going. They went door-knocking in their neighborhoods, traveled to events, and rallied friends and family, picking up one signature at a time.
Chip Tangen for Secretary of State
Chip Tangen’s campaign for Secretary of State centers on the office’s critical role as chief elections officer. He champions greater ballot access for minor parties, election transparency, and restoring public trust through independence from the two major parties.
Chip was out collecting signatures nearly every day with friends and family. His small team gathered over 1,300 signatures. With broader LPMN support, the campaign submitted 2,507 signatures, making it very likely his name will appear on the November ballot.
Charles Kuchlenz for State Auditor
Charles Kuchlenz highlighted the need for greater transparency and data-driven accountability in the State Auditor’s office. He brings his experience as a data engineer to the role.
Charles collected signatures throughout both weeks. On Memorial Day, he made the selfless decision to suspend his own campaign so volunteers could focus on the remaining candidates. This step likely helped secure TJ’s ballot access and eased the burden on the other statewide races. His commitment to transparent government continues beyond the petition period.
Rebecca Whiting for U.S. Senate
A farmer, mother, and veteran, Rebecca Whiting offers a grounded, principled voice against endless wars and federal overreach. Drawing from her service as an Army medic in Iraq, she saw the true human cost of war firsthand. Her personal journey from those experiences to building a thriving life for her family shows a very different approach than the usual Washington talk and special-interest decisions.
With help from a dedicated team that collected a surprising 2,300 signatures on its own, Rebecca’s campaign submitted 3,829 signatures for the U.S. Senate race, virtually guaranteeing Minnesota voters a Libertarian choice in November.
TJ Hawthorne for MN House District 44B
Running for the third time, though this time as an independent, TJ Hawthorne has become a respected community pillar. He serves on his local food shelf board, stays active in veterans’ issues, and focuses on the everyday concerns of families in his district.
TJ and a small group of friends collected roughly 500 of the 594 signatures submitted. A final push from dedicated LPMN volunteers the day before the deadline gave him a solid margin for ballot access.
Looking Ahead: Libertarian Ballot Access is Just the First Step!
With ballot access secured for three of our four endorsed candidates for partisan races, the real campaign work begins now. More Libertarian and independent voices on the ballot give Minnesotans better choices and move our state closer to peace, prosperity, and freedom.
Each of these candidates needs your support. Visit their websites, share their messages, volunteer your time, and help spread the word. Together, we can turn this petitioning success into real results in November.
The LPMN’s current endorsements and additional information on each candidate can be found on our Endorsements page.
