Rioter from January 6 Running for Office on Insurrection’s Anniversary

On January 6, a pardoned individual known for dragging then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s podium during the Capitol riot declared his candidacy for local office, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the event.

Adam Johnson, a 41-year-old father of five, aims to secure the at-large commissioner seat in Manatee County, presenting himself as a “conservative fighter,” as noted in his campaign materials.

Johnson, often referred to as “The Bookman,” gained notoriety for his cheerful demeanor while carrying Pelosi’s lectern and impersonating a speaker in the Capitol Rotunda, as mentioned by prosecutors.

He pleaded guilty to entering a restricted area, a misdemeanor that led to a 75-day federal prison sentence, a $5,000 fine, and 200 hours of community service.

During sentencing, he acknowledged that his stunt with the lectern was “a very stupid idea,” but didn’t express regret afterward. On his way home, he allegedly bragged about gaining fame from the incident, prosecutors reported.

On January 6, rioters breached the U.S. Capitol, breaking through security barriers and causing extensive damage while Congress was certifying the 2020 presidential election results.

Some rioters carried weapons like pepper spray and baseball bats, making violent threats against lawmakers, including calls for the hanging of former Vice President Mike Pence.

Johnson had completed his sentence when he received a pardon from President Trump, who granted clemency to rioters early in his second term. Because Johnson faced misdemeanor charges, he didn’t lose rights that would bar him from running for office.

He noted that his choice to file for candidacy on January 6 was intentional and aimed at raising awareness for his campaign.

His website reflects concerns about “MAGA principles” being overlooked on the local level.

Johnson’s campaign claims he embodies the conservative values needed in leadership: “He won’t be bought or bullied, and he’ll expose corruption wherever found.”

In media statements, Johnson mentioned that his psychology degree equips him to handle challenging people and referenced his church experience as part of his political readiness.

Another individual associated with the January 6 events, Jake Lang, is running for a U.S. Senate seat in Florida. Lang had faced serious charges, including assault on a police officer, before receiving a pardon.

Three more individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 riot have attempted to run unsuccessfully for Congress as Republicans in 2024.

While convicted felons can’t vote, there are no legal barriers stopping them from pursuing congressional positions. However, state laws may restrict eligibility for state-level offices.