Harrisville resident Michael A. Maturen was nominated as the presidential candidate for the American Solidarity Party during its party’s convention in June. Maturen named Juan A. Munoz of Texas as his running mate.

Maturen spent most of his adult life as a Republican, getting involved in several presidential elections.

“This election cycle has proven to be one of the ugliest in my memory,” he said. “The hatred and venom that is being spewed by both major parties forced me to rethink how I wanted to be represented. I looked at my political ideals and the tenets of my faith and realized they didn’t line up. After a search, I discovered the American Solidarity Party and it was a near-perfect match for me.”

The American Solidarity Party, founded in 2011, is the only active Christian democracy party in the United States. There a three principles that guide the party. It seeks to promote the common good and the material and spiritual welfare of all people, thereby raising consciousness of the Christian world view.

Maturan is an authorized write-in candidate in Michigan. He and his running mate are on the ballot in Colorado and recognized as write-ins in 14 states, with seven more pending as of Wednesday.

Maturen, a sales consultant and semi-professional magician, is married. He and his wife have three adult children.