[1] After receiving his associate's degree in math and science from American River College, he began studying zoology at Humboldt State University.

[2][3] McClarin was a "self-described college liberal on food stamps – a war protester with long hair and a beard", and held civil libertarian beliefs.

"[3] In the early 1970s, McClarin worked at a factory in Sacramento before moving to Nevada City,[1][5] where he became a construction and energy consultant, giving seminars regarding energy-efficient underground homes.

[3] During this period, he became interested in politics after listening to KZAP radio hosts discuss economic issues.

[1] Initially, he read literature by the John Birch Society, but was dissatisfied by "their basic attitude that there were Communists under every bed.

"[1] In 1975, McClarin discovered the Libertarian Party and began attending local meetings in Nevada County.

[4] On January 2, 1980, McClarin declared his candidacy for California's 1st congressional district as a Libertarian, challenging longtime Democratic incumbent Bizz Johnson.

[8][9] Early in his campaign, in protest of the resumption of Selective Service System registration, McClarin burned his draft card as a symbolic gesture.

[4][6] McClarin's goal was to generate momentum leading to the 1988 presidential election, hoping to get the attention of the media and donors like the Koch brothers.

[21][22] McClarin lived in Hillsborough County's 33rd state house district, a multi-member constituency which elected three representatives and consisted of Nashua ward 8.

[29] On February 3, 1995, McClarin resigned from the state house, citing conflict between the legislative schedule and his business obligations.