Libertarian Hazel seeks 2022 gubernatorial nod

WALESKA, Ga. — Following a U.S. Senate race in November, a Georgia Libertarian is turning his eyes toward Georgia’s top statewide office in 2022. Shane T. Hazel would receive 2.3 percent of the vote in November’s general election. Now, as the runoff election nears this week, Hazel would make an announcement in mid-December that he was seeking the gubernatorial nomination.

Hazel platform, without an update, still holds validity

While Hazel’s campaign website still has remnants of his U.S. Senate race, his platform remains consistent. “[W]e will have our rights, so help me God!” Hazel would tweet following a video announcement on Periscope. “And for dessert, we will have Justice.” Hazel’s primary message to voters summarizes his plans for Georgians. “My mission is to bring people together while preserving the freedom[s] of every individual,” the website states. “Regardless of skin color, age, faith, gender, love, and every other nuance which make us unique.” “We must come together and remove the government/corporate cabals from the lives of peaceful people here in the U.S. and around the world,” the statement continues. Or in the case of 2022, the 10.7 million people that call the Peach State home. Moreover, this figure is an estimate from the 2020 U.S. Census via the Census Bureau. It is not currently known whether current Republican Gov. Brian Kemp is seeking election. However, current U.S. Rep. and former U.S. Senate candidate Doug Collins may be a potential candidate. While neither has made it official, two candidates are potential choices for the Democratic primary. 2018 nominee Stacey Abrams, a former Georgia House minority leader, is expressing interest. Former Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed is also a potential candidate.

More on the previous three Libertarian nominees

Going back to the gubernatorial elections of 2010, 2014, and 2018, the Libertarian Party in Georgia has run a candidate in each cycle. Ted Metz was the Libertarian nominee in the 2018 election. Metz would receive 37,235 votes for a percentage of 0.95%. In 2014, businessman Andrew Hunt would receive his party’s nomination. Hunt would receive 60,185 votes for a percentage of 2.36%. The 2010 election, out of the past three cycles, was the best gubernatorial showing. John Monds would receive the Libertarian nomination, becoming the first African-American to qualify for the ballot in a general election. Monds would receive 103,194 votes for 4.01%. As a result, Monds would later seek the U.S. presidential nomination in 2020. Perhaps some heavy fundraising and a solid campaign season could turn the tides in 2022 for Hazel as a result. However, only time will tell as the election is still well over a year away.

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