At its March 5, 2023 meeting, the State Committee of the Libertarian Party of New York filled four vacancies. Here you can learn more about them.
Craig Colwell (JD6). Craig Colwell has been a Libertarian since 2018. He previously served on the State Committee from 2021 to 2022, and is the current Chair of the Chemung County Libertarian Party Party, having previously served as its Vice-Chair. As a local activist, he has taken a vocal role in protests against government outreach. In 2022, he was a candidate for Chemung County Legislature. He was also a 2022 delegate to the National Convention. Colwell is originally from Windsor, New York. He relocated to the Elmira area in 2007, and has lived in the Southern Tier his whole life. He is partners in Colwell Creative Content, a digital marketing and copywriting agency with his wife, Nicole.
Charles Roggen (JD8). Charles Roggen is a new member of the State Committee, having filled the vacancy left by Gerrit Cain upon his move out of the State. Roggen is currently running for Akron Town Trustee in Erie County. Michael Rebmann is his campaign manager. Roggen lives in Akron and works as a NYS Correctional Officer at Attica Correctional Facility. He and his wife welcomed their first child in February of this year. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and boating.
John Clifton (JD11). John Clifton previously served on the State Committee. He was State Treasurer (1999-2002), Member-At-Large (2002-2003), Chair (2003-2006), and Political Director (2010-2016). He was also the LPNY’s candidate for U.S. Senate (2000, 2010), Governor (2006), Comptroller (2014), and also ran for New York City Comptroller (2009). He is a longtime Libertarian and has been involved in the Queens party.
Francisco Olvera (JD11). Franciso Olvera is a Libertarian from Queens County, currently serving as the Queens’ party’s Vice-Chair. In 2022, he was a volunteer for the campaigns of Larry Sharpe for Governor and Jonathan Howe for Congress.