A Western New York historian and reform activist is running for governor as an alternative to the Democratic and Republican Party candidates. Jonathan Makeley is running as the Prohibition Party Candidate for Governor of New York in the 2026 election. The Prohibition
Party is the oldest living third party in the United States.
Given New York state’s restrictive ballot access laws, Makeley is running a write-campaign; meaning that voters would vote for them by
filling out my name in the write-in box for governor on the ballot in November.
Jonathan Makeley is a historian, whose work focuses on the history of American reform movements. He grew up in the town of Angelica, New York. He received a Bachelor’s degree in history at Alfred University, before going on to earn a Master’s in History and a Master’s in
Library and Information Science from the University at Buffalo. He has written numerous papers and biographical articles on the history of reform activism and lives of reform activists in New York.
Makeley has long been involved in activism to promote social reform and policies to advance public wellbeing. This has included advocating for policies to address alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs as social and public health problems, advocating for improving public education, advocating for strengthening state ethics laws, supporting the passage of the Child Victims Act, and advocating for neurodiversity/disability rights. Makeley is the State Chairman for the Prohibition Party of New York as well as the secretary of the national Prohibition Party
organization.
In his campaign announcement, Makeley stated, ” I am running because I believe that New Yorkers deserve to have a positive alternative to
the failed approaches of the major parties. To have someone who will speak on the important issues affecting the lives, health, and wellbeing of New Yorkers, and speak for policies to help move our state forward”
Makeley’s campaign platform includes:
- Supporting comprehensive policies to address alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs as
public health problems - Broader policies to protect and promote public health, such as advancing the
replacement of lead water pipes across the state - Improving the quality of public education, so that all school districts are properly
funded, and all students can have access to a quality education that supports their
needs and helps them pursue their potential - Expanding access and affordability for college and vocational education for New Yorkers
- Establishing stronger state ethics laws for public officials and stronger anti-corruption
measures - Reforming our state’s economic development programs to be more effective and to
better meet the needs of communities throughout our state (including the many small
towns throughout the state) - Addressing affordability and expanding opportunities for New Yorkers
- Improving our state’s infrastructure (from roads, bridges and railways, to water, electric,
and broadband systems) - Responsibly managing and protecting our state’s natural environment
- Protecting the rights of neurodiverse and disabled New Yorkers
- Passing fair ballot access laws, which give third party and independent candidates a fair
chance to get on the ballot and give more choices to New York voters “If you are a New Yorker who cares about public health and wellbeing, who wants a state government that serves the people of the state (instead of serving those that enrich themselves off harming the public), who wants a better future for your community. If you want to help send a message to the politicians in Albany. Then consider casting a write-in vote for me on election
day,” said Makeley. - You can get further information and follow the campaign at the Jonathan Makeley for
Governor Facebook Page