Chapter 5 · 2013 to 2019

Public Service and Politics (2013 to 2019)

Driven by ideas of pluralism and tolerance, Alex ran for public office three times to promote free exchange and radical tolerance.

The races, and the party office that followed, are on the public record. Ballotpedia keeps a separate candidate entry for each of the three campaigns.

Three campaigns in New York

  1. 2013: New York City Public Advocate. The New York Amsterdam News mentioned him as a candidate in the race.
  2. 2016: U.S. Senate, New York. He was the New York Libertarian Party's nominee in the statewide race against incumbent Chuck Schumer. Spectrum News' Capital Tonight interviewed him about the campaign, and Pantsuit Politics gave him a full episode on his background and views.
  3. 2017: New York City Comptroller. He was on the ballot as the Libertarian candidate. City & State New York listed the race among those to watch, and Reason named him in its coverage.
Alex Merced speaking at a party convention

Vice Chair of the Libertarian National Committee

In July 2018 Alex was elected Vice Chair of the Libertarian National Committee at the party's national convention. Reason covered the result as part of its reporting on the party's direction. That year he also talked blockchain and politics on the Bad Crypto Podcast. In 2019 he spoke at the Minnesota party convention.

In 2019 he also changed careers. The next chapter covers the move into software.