Yes, the American Independent Party still exists.
Created by disaffected John Birch Republicans in 1967, it caught the attention of Alabama governor, ardent segregationist, and nominal Democrat George Wallace, who ran for president in 1968 with General Curtis “Bombs Away” LeMay as his running mate. He won five Deep South states in an election Richard Nixon won. It ceased being a relevant political force after 1976 when Lester Maddox won only 170,000 votes and the party split along regional lines.
The American Independent Party has now come full circle, by supporting Wallace’s first true successor in presidential politics in the person of Donald Trump.
The nativist, far-right party hasn't nominated its own candidate for president since 1988, instead endorsing other minor nationalist parties’ candidates, usually the Constitution Party’s candidate or former Republican somebody Alan Keyes. The AIP has never endorsed a major party presidential candidate. Until now.
Donald Trump has convinced George Wallace’s party that he is their best hope. He best represents their views. He best represents their goals and policies. He best represents the America these Wallaceites want to live in.
Donald Trump. Donald J. Trump is the American Independent Party’s candidate for president. Joining the likes of George Wallace, John Schmitz and Lester Maddox.
Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Richard Nixon. They were too moderate for the AIP. But in Donald Trump, George Wallace’s American Independent Party finally found a Republican they can support.