Pardoned January 6 defendant campaigns for political position in Florida
A man from Florida, previously convicted and then pardoned by Donald Trump after seizing then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s lectern and taking pictures during the US Capitol riot, is now campaigning for county office. Adam Johnson submitted his candidacy as a Republican for an at-large position on the Manatee County Commission on Tuesday. This date marks the fifth anniversary of the January 6 riot, during which he was photographed smiling and waving while holding onto Pelosi’s lectern after the pro-Trump mob’s assault in 2021. Johnson remarked to WWSB-TV that it was “not a coincidence” he chose to announce his campaign on January 6, adding: “It’s definitely good for getting the buzz out there.” His campaign logo features an outline of the widely shared image of him with the lectern.
He is not the first individual associated with the January 6 Capitol events to seek political office. At least three others ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2024 as Republicans. Signs indicate that the Republican party is increasingly accepting individuals who were convicted for January 6-related crimes after receiving pardons from Trump. Jake Lang, who faced charges for assaulting an officer, civil disorder, and other offenses before being pardoned, has recently declared his intention to vie for the Senate position left open by Marco Rubio in Florida.
According to prosecutors, Johnson set the lectern in the middle of the Capitol Rotunda, took photos, and pretended to give a speech. He pleaded guilty in 2021 to entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, a misdemeanor he likened to “jaywalking” in that same interview. “I think I exercised my first amendment right to speak and protest,” Johnson stated. After returning home, Johnson boasted that he “broke the internet” and was “finally famous”, as prosecutors reported.
Johnson completed a 75-day prison sentence followed by a year of supervised release. Additionally, the judge mandated that he pay a $5,000 fine and complete 200 hours of community service. Johnson told US District Judge Reggie Walton at his sentencing that posing with Pelosi’s lectern was a “very stupid idea,” but currently asserts that he only regrets his actions due to the resultant prison term. “I walked into a building, I took a picture with a piece of furniture and I left,” he now states.
So far, four other Republicans have announced their campaigns for the primary on August 18 in this heavily Republican county. The incumbent is not pursuing re-election. In March 2025, Johnson initiated a lawsuit against Manatee County and six commissioners, challenging the county’s choice not to seek attorney’s fees from an individual who had sued them and subsequently withdrew the case. The county has labeled Johnson’s assertions as “completely meritless and unsupported by law.” Johnson has expressed his concern over high property taxes and excessive development in the county located south of Tampa, arguing that current officials are wasteful. “I will be more heavily scrutinized than any other candidate who is running in this race,” Johnson asserted. “This is a positive and a good takeaway for every single citizen, because for once in our life, we will know our local politicians who are doing things.”
Published: 2026-01-10 19:47:00
source: www.theguardian.com
