A man from Michigan known for his bold statements about figures like Charlie Kirk and Elon Musk is pursuing a congressional seat, claiming he’s completely serious about it.
Samuel Smeltzer is aiming for the Democratic nomination in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District for the 2026 midterms, intending to challenge the current Republican representative, Tom Barrett.
What makes Smeltzer unique is his active involvement in the “furry” community. He campaigns under the name “Elyon Badger,” sporting a cartoon badger mask that aligns with his persona.
“We need people like Elyon who have the genuine heart to make meaningful changes,” Smeltzer shared, referring to his adopted furry mascot in the third person.
The former member of the Army National Guard often appears in badger-themed outfits, frequently pairing them with a green suit adorned with marijuana-themed designs, a top hat, a psychedelic cape, and a large stuffed animal named Blunt.
Running as a Democratic Socialist, Elyon Badger—with that name listed on Michigan’s ballots—positions his campaign on “taxing the rich” while advocating for universal healthcare.
He expressed, “I feel like I have an energy similar to that of a Ratel,” referencing the African badger known for its fierce character.
His social media is packed with videos where he expresses his disdain for billionaires and traditional politicians, pushing for socialist ideologies.
Smeltzer stands firmly for the LGBTQ community, criticizing the inaction of Washington politicians when it comes to protecting same-sex marriage. He stated, “fascists are coming for everyone.”
“People want something fresh in Congress. I may not be conventional, but I’m serious about the changes I wish to implement,” he remarked.
He asserted, “You deserve better pay and more family time,” on his blog, emphasizing that he wants a government that serves the people instead of wealthy elites.
However, his campaign has not been without controversy. He made headlines for celebrating the assassination of Charlie Kirk and calling some conservative figures “evil,” even hinting at Nazism.
His controversial remarks include statements like “I hate Americans and I love China,” and expressing unclear sentiments about major events like 9/11. He’s called for extreme actions against billionaires as well.
While he hasn’t garnered much response yet, critics are wary of what his candidacy and his furry persona represent.
Smeltzer accuses the mainstream Democratic Party of neglecting the working class, describing them as struggling to move forward with a broken agenda.
He faces competition from six others for next year’s Democratic nomination, including Bridget Brink, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine.
