In brief
Adam Johnson, who infamously carried and posed with Nancy Pelosi's podium during the January 6th Capitol riot, has filed to run for an at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission in Florida. This announcement coincides with the fifth anniversary of the riot. Johnson previously served time in prison for his actions during the insurrection and is now seeking local political office, claiming he aims to address issues of high property taxes and local governance.
BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — A man who grabbed then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s podium and posed with it for photographs during the U.S. Capitol riot is running for county office in Florida.
Adam Johnson filed to run as a Republican for an at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission on Tuesday, the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot. He was photographed smiling and waving as he carried Pelosi’s podium after the pro-Trump mob attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Johnson told WWSB-TV that it was “not a coincidence” he filed on Jan. 6, saying “it’s definitely good for getting the buzz out there.” His campaign logo features the viral image of him carrying the podium.
He's not the first individual involved in the Jan. 6 riot to run for office; several others have attempted electoral bids since, indicating a trend of acceptance towards such figures within the Republican Party.
Previously convicted of entering and remaining in a restricted building during the Capitol riot, Johnson pleaded guilty in 2021 and equated his crime to “jaywalking.” He served 75 days in prison, was fined $5,000, and mandated to perform 200 hours of community service.
“I think I exercised my First Amendment right to speak and protest,” Johnson stated, later reflecting on his actions as a “very stupid idea,” though he now expresses regret primarily due to the consequences he faced.
Johnson aims to address issues such as property taxes and overdevelopment in Manatee County, promising greater scrutiny and transparency in local governance if elected.
