America First Party Becomes Ballot-Qualified in Florida

On June 4, the Florida Secretary of State determined that the America First Party is now a qualified party.

Maine Seems Unlikely to Drop Out of National Popular Vote Plan Pact

On May 20, the Maine House passed LD 252, which would have Maine withdraw from the National Popular Vote Pact.  But the bill has not been brought up on the Senate floor, and the legislature expects to adjourn on June 18 or 19.

Texas Libertarian Party Files Fierce Response in U.S. District Court in Filing Fee Case

On June 16, the Texas Libertarian Party filed this reply brief in Bilyeu v Esparza, w.d., 1:21cv-1089.  This is the lawsuit over Texas filing fees for candidates.  The law says fees paid by parties that nominate by primary (i.e., Republican and Democratic) are given to those parties.  But fees paid by parties that nominate by convention go into the state treasury.

The brief accuses the state of hypocrisy, and has some fiery language.

No Labels May Endorse and Support Two Independent Gubernatorial Candidates in 2026

The No Labels national leadership is considering whether to endorse and provide campaign support for Mike Duggan, an independent candidate for Michigan Governor who is also Mayor of Detroit.  It is also considering similar help to Jason Pizzo, an independent candidate for Governor of Florida.

There have been No Labels nominees for public office in a few states, but the national leadership of No Labels has never supported those candidates.

The Ninth Circuit still hasn’t issued its opinion in No Labels v Fontes, 24-563.  The issue in that case is whether No Labels, which is a qualified party in Arizona, has a constitutional right to block unwanted candidates in its primary.

Virginia Elections Office Files Brief in Republican Lawsuit Over Nomination Methods

On June 6, the Virginia Elections office filed this brief in Lynchburg v Republican City Committee v Virginia Department of Elections, w.d., 6:25cv-29.  The party claims that a new law in practice makes it impossible for it to nominate by convention.  The state’s brief says the party can use a convention but it must have procedures for various kinds of voters who can’t participate in person.