Ed Crane, Libertarian Thinktank Founder, Dies at 81

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Edward H. Crane, who founded the Cato Institute and built it into the nation's leading libertarian think tank, died on February 10 at the age of 81. Crane opened Cato in 1977 with $500,000 in start-up money from Charles Koch and grew it into a prominent policy research institution over the next 35 years as its president and CEO. However, Crane's tenure ended in 2012 after a dispute with the Koch brothers, who were major donors and sought to align the institute more closely with the Republican Party.

Why it matters

Crane's legacy is the Cato Institute, which became a powerful voice for libertarian ideas and policies in Washington over the past four decades. The institute's influence can be seen in Supreme Court decisions and the national political discourse, though its alignment with the Kochs' business interests has also drawn criticism.

The details

Crane opened the Cato Institute in a San Francisco storefront in 1977 with $500,000 from Charles Koch. The think tank soon moved to Washington and grew rapidly under Crane's leadership over the next 35 years. Cato scholars advocated for policies like privatizing Social Security and public transit, legalizing marijuana, and opposing government regulations and action on climate change. However, Crane's tenure ended in 2012 after a dispute with the Koch brothers, who were major donors and wanted to align Cato more closely with the Republican Party, which Crane resisted.

• Crane opened the Cato Institute in 1977.
• Crane served as Cato's president and CEO for 35 years until 2012.
• Crane died on February 10, 2026 at the age of 81.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Cato Institute is expected to continue operating as a prominent libertarian think tank, though its future direction remains uncertain following the death of its long-time leader Ed Crane.