Axios says a coalition of anti‑Trump Republicans and Libertarian Party operatives has spent months pushing outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie to seek the Libertarian Party’s 2028 presidential nomination, aiming to draw votes from the eventual Republican nominee. The Gateway Pundit (TGP) relayed Axios’ reporting and details from organizers.
Who’s behind the draft
TGP reports that Michael Heise, founder of the Libertarian Party’s Mises Caucus, is among the organizers. The Mises Caucus took control of the party in 2022, according to TGP. The site adds that the Mises PAC is helping finance the draft and raised approximately $394,000 during the 2024 election cycle.
Libertarian activist Larry Sharpe told TGP he has spoken with Massie several times about a potential run. “Libertarian Jesus is Ron Paul, and one of our saints is Thomas Massie,” Sharpe said.
Podcaster Bret Weinstein is cited by TGP as supporting the effort. He said, “The idea is if one can take 5, 10, 15% of the vote from one of these parties, then that party has to listen and cave to interest of the people.” Organizers hope to reach at least five percent of the national vote to qualify the Libertarian Party for federal funding in future elections, TGP reports.
The pitch to voters
TGP says organizers are attempting to rebrand the Libertarian Party around an anti‑war interpretation of “America First.” TGP further reports that supporters believe Massie could appeal to Republicans opposed to the war in Iran and continued support for Israel, mentioning Tucker Carlson and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene as examples cited by backers. Axios was cited as the source for the broader draft effort.
Massie’s current moves
TGP notes Massie lost his Republican primary earlier this year to Trump‑backed challenger Ed Gallrein after a bitter campaign. TGP labeled him a “RINO.”
Following the midterms, Massie said one of his final acts in Congress would be to bring a vote to impeach “SecWar Pete Hegseth” unless he resigns, according to a Nov. 5, 2026 video posted by Eric Daugherty on X. Daugherty added that advancing beyond the House “requires 67 US Senators.”
Where it stands
TGP reports Massie has not publicly commented on the 2028 draft effort. Axios was cited as the origin of the recruitment reporting.
