in april 2019, hornberger was seen as a possible 2020 candidate for the libertarian nomination. on october 29, 2019 hornberger officially filed to run for president as a libertarian shortly after he released a youtube video announcing his candidacy, expressing a view that the candidates in the race before him were insufficiently committed to abolishing medicare. hornberger began his campaign by focusing on the north carolina primary, declaring his intent to win the vote on march 3rd. hornberger was considered an early front runner for the libertarian party nomination. hornberger has conceded that him winning the presidency isn't "realistic" but hopes his campaign could "make the case for freedom" and "fight for a free society".