Congressman Justin Amash, a Republican-turned-Independent, on Saturday announced that he is ending his exploratory committee for president as the potential Libertarian Party nominee.
Amash took to Twitter to explain his reasoning:
Thanks for your support as I’ve been exploring a run for president as the potential nominee of the Libertarian Party.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 16, 2020
I’ve spent nearly three weeks assessing the race, appearing in media, talking to delegates and donors, watching the Libertarian Party’s convention plan unfold, and gathering feedback from family, friends, and other advisers.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 16, 2020
After much reflection, I’ve concluded that circumstances don’t lend themselves to my success as a candidate for president this year, and therefore I will not be a candidate.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 16, 2020
This was a difficult decision for me, especially having seen grassroots supporters put so much effort into this campaign. It’s been humbling and awesome.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 16, 2020
Although he will not be facing off with President Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, Amash said he still wants to see "a candidate from outside the old parties."
I continue to believe that a candidate from outside the old parties, offering a vision of government grounded in liberty and equality, can break through in the right environment.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 16, 2020
But this environment presents extraordinary challenges.
According to the congressman, one of the challenges that has made a potential third party bid even more difficult is the Wuhan coronavirus. Not having the ability to hold meet-and-greets and rallies and being reliant upon social and traditional media a campaign almost impossible.
Polarization is near an all-time high. Electoral success requires an audience willing to consider alternatives, but both social media and traditional media are dominated by voices strongly averse to the political risks posed by a viable third candidate.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 16, 2020
The new reality of social distancing levels the playing field among the candidates in many respects, but it also means lesser known candidates are more dependent on adequate media opportunities to reach people.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 16, 2020
The other issue that comes to mind, especially as millions are out of work, is the lack of fundraising.
Today, most Americans are understandably more interested in what life will look like tomorrow than they are in broader policy debates, and news coverage has reflected those priorities. At the same time, fundraising challenges posed by an idled economy will hinder advertising.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 16, 2020
The Libertarian Party’s national committee members and delegates have worked diligently to organize the national convention,…
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 16, 2020
but lingering uncertainty regarding ratification of online voting, the feasibility of 50-state ballot access and related legal challenges, and unity after the nomination have also weighed heavily on me. We must address these issues as a party to ensure we maximize our potential.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 16, 2020
I’ve been speaking directly to delegates about this opportunity for only a short time, but these conversations have solidified my belief that the Libertarian Party is well positioned to become a major and consistent contender to win elections at all levels of government.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 16, 2020
I remain invested in helping the party realize these possibilities and look forward to the successes ahead.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 16, 2020
If you aren’t already a member of the @LPNational, I encourage you to join me in becoming one so we can continue working together toward freedom, peace, and prosperity.
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) May 16, 2020
With appreciation,
Justin