Substance abuse had taken a heavy toll on my health, both physically and mentally, and I found myself in a position where I was essentially starting from scratch.

[13][14] In April 2016, Soltysik was interviewed on CNBC regarding growing support for socialism in the United States.

[18] Soltysik differentiated himself from other socialist candidates, in that he intended to overthrow capitalism rather than reform it, and sought to build a new system from the "bottom up."

When asked how the United States would defend itself if all these organizations were eliminated, he responded that he believes every threat the US faces is created by their foreign policy.

[19] He also believes that one cannot serve as president "without becoming a war criminal" and suggested his first course of action upon taking office would be to "fire ourselves on the first day.

"[20][21][22] Soltysik made several campaign stops, including in Denver[23] and Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Flint, Michigan,[24] primarily focusing on meeting with and building local networks of community activists.

Under Illinois law, 25,000 valid signatures are required to secure ballot access for independent and non-qualified alternative parties.

[29] On July 28, 2016, the Michigan chapter of the Natural Law Party nominated Soltysik-Walker and gave the ticket its first ballot line in 2016.

[33][34] Soltysik/Walker finished in seventh place with 2,209 votes in Michigan, behind other balloted candidates and write-in Evan McMullin.