08/03/2026
During the weekend of July 25th, I lost a good friend.
by Mimi Robson
Paul Vallandigham passed away at the age of 68. He leaves behind two daughters, his grandchildren, his brothers, many friends, and a Libertarian Party that is better because of everything he gave to it. I'm going to miss him very much.
Paul was one of those people who simply stepped up whenever the party needed someone. He served as LP California Secretary from 2019 to 2021, Treasurer from 2021 to 2023, At-Large Alternate from 2025 to 2026, and as an At-Large Member until his passing. He was deeply involved in Gary Johnson's presidential campaigns in 2012 and 2016, served as Chair and Treasurer of the Riverside County Libertarian Party, worked on Jeff Hewitt's successful campaign for Riverside County Supervisor, and later joined Jeff's staff.
In 2021, Paul developed an epidural abscess that compressed his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. After emergency surgery, months in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, and eventually a partial leg amputation in 2022, he continued working, continued serving the party, and continued living by the motto he had chosen when he first ran for Secretary, "The Guy Who Gets Things Done." Less than 24 hours after his leg amputation, Paul delivered his Treasurer's report to the 2022 LP California Convention via Zoom from his hospital bed. Anyone who knew Paul knows that wasn't done for attention. It was simply who he was.
With the help of his brother, who coordinated the modifications needed to make Paul's home ADA accessible, Paul was eventually able to return home and regain a remarkable level of independence. He once again lived in his own home, prepared his own meals, continued working, and remained active in the party. Although ongoing pressure sores eventually required regular caregivers and increasingly limited his mobility, he never let those challenges diminish his positive outlook on life.
Paul was much more than the offices he held. Before becoming active in the Libertarian Party, he was heavily involved with the NRA. He loved caring for his orchids, loved animals, and loved music, especially the blues. He had played bass in several blues bands over the years, and after the bands broke up, he discovered a love for karaoke. He was gentle, caring, and somehow always seemed to stay positive despite everything life threw at him. Although, if you knew Paul well, you also knew he never left home without one of his guns, so you probably didn't want to mess with him!
I was fortunate to spend a day with Paul this past March at the Abilities Expo in Long Beach. We spent the day looking at adaptive technology, watched The Power to Move, the Thomas Quiter documentary, and then went out for sushi afterward. Although we talked often after that, it turned out to be the last time I would see him in person. I'm grateful we had that day together.
Paul lived his life with quiet determination, kindness, and a genuine love for liberty and for the people around him. He never asked for sympathy. He simply adapted, kept moving forward, and kept serving others. He was a good friend, and his absence will be felt by many of us for a long time to come.
Rest in peace, Paul.
