“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
What is Libertarianism?
Libertarianism is a political philosophy grounded in the principles of individual liberty, free markets, limited government, and personal responsibility. According to the Libertarian Party of Texas (LPTexas) Platform, this philosophy is devoted to protecting individual rights, promoting economic freedom, and advocating for transparent, accountable government. One of the key tenets of libertarianism is a strong opposition to taxation. The LPTexas Platform argues that every tax imposed by government is essentially a form of theft, inherently oppressive and prone to misuse by authorities. Libertarians contend that private charity and voluntary efforts are far more effective than forced taxation in solving social problems, reflecting the belief that a voluntary society can address issues better than government programs. In short, libertarians seek a society where all interactions are consensual and individuals are free to pursue their lives without coercion.
Individual Liberty
We believe every person has the right to live their life as they choose, so long as they do not infringe on the rights of others. This includes free speech, privacy, bodily autonomy, and freedom of conscience.
Limited Government
Government should be small, decentralized, and restricted to protecting individual rights. We oppose unnecessary regulation, bureaucracy, and state overreach.
Fiscal Responsibility
We support balanced budgets, reduced government spending, and lower or zero taxation. People should keep what they earn and be free to spend or give it as they see fit.
Free Markets
Voluntary exchange and competition lead to innovation, prosperity, and choice. We oppose corporate bailouts, subsidies, and monopolistic regulation.
Non-Interventionist Foreign Policy
The U.S. should avoid entangling alliances, foreign wars, and nation-building. National defense is important, but offensive military action should be avoided unless there is a direct threat.
Criminal Justice Reform
End the war on drugs, abolish qualified immunity, and eliminate over-criminalization. We advocate for restorative justice and equal treatment under the law.
Civil Liberties & Privacy
We defend the Bill of Rights, oppose government surveillance, and support strong due process protections. Personal data should not be collected or tracked without consent.
Decentralization & Localism
Decisions should be made as close to the individual as possible. We support decentralizing power to local communities and protecting states’ and individual rights.
Why Libertarianism?
Choosing libertarianism means choosing a society with greater freedom, prosperity, and personal dignity. With minimal government interference in the economy, individuals are free to innovate, trade, and create wealth—leading to more opportunities, jobs, and a higher standard of living. Free markets harness personal initiative and mutual cooperation, resulting in economic growth that benefits the wider community. Libertarianism also emphasizes voluntary, community-driven solutions to societal challenges. Libertarians believe that self-help, mutual aid, charity, and economic growth do more to alleviate poverty and address social issues than top-down government welfare programs ever could. When people are free to cooperate voluntarily, they can form charities, businesses, and community groups that tackle problems effectively without coercion. At the same time, strong protections for individual rights ensure that each person can live according to their own values—whether in personal life, business, or community—so long as they respect the equal rights of others. In a libertarian society, this combination of economic freedom, voluntary cooperation, and respect for personal rights fosters an environment where peace and progress can thrive together.
The Libertarian Party of Harris County
The Libertarian Party of Harris County is the official county affiliate of the Libertarian Party of Texas (LPTexas). We serve the largest county in Texas and the third-largest in the United States, uniting a diverse community committed to individual freedom and personal responsibility. At the local level, we organize events, support Libertarian candidates, and engage in grassroots outreach to put our principles into action.
How Can We Do It?
To build a more Libertarian Harris County, we focus on actionable local goals. We support electing Libertarians to both partisan and non-partisan positions, such as Justice of the Peace courts—positions that directly impact individual liberties—and offer specialized training for candidates. We actively lobby local politicians to uphold personal freedom and limited government, host forums for candidates, and selectively advocate for those who align closely with our principles. Community involvement is essential: you can directly support these efforts by applying for leadership roles listed on our leadership page and helping us drive meaningful change in Harris County.