Libertarian congressional candidates will not be on ballot after Iowa Supreme Court decision

DES MOINES — Three Libertarian candidates running for Congress will not be on the ballot this November after a decision by the Iowa Supreme Court.

The challenges filed against the candidates were made by Iowans affiliated with the Republican Party. They accused the Libertarian Party of failing to follow state law on the procedure for nominating their candidates. A state panel ruled two-to-one in favor of the challengers. Lawyers for the candidates had argued that the technicality in question did not invalidate the candidates’ selection.

A district court judge last week ruled the state panel’s decision was appropriate, and the Iowa Supreme Court validated that decision on Wednesday.