According to AP News, Jacob Chansley, known for his distinctive appearance as the spear-carrying rioter in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol assault, has reportedly filed a candidate statement of interest to run as a Libertarian in the upcoming election for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District seat. The 35-year-old Chansley, also known as the “QAnon Shaman,” pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding in connection with the Capitol insurrection and was sentenced to 41 months in prison in November 2021.
Chansley’s candidacy filing comes after U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko, a Republican representing the district since 2018, announced she won’t seek re-election. The 8th Congressional District seat will be open in the upcoming election, and Chansley’s decision to run adds a controversial figure to the political landscape.
Despite his notoriety for his role in the Capitol riot, the U.S. Constitution does not prohibit felons from holding federal office. However, Arizona law restricts felons from voting until they complete their sentence and have their civil rights restored.
Chansley’s filing as a Libertarian candidate is part of a larger trend where individuals associated with fringe movements or controversies attempt to enter mainstream politics. It remains to be seen how his candidacy will be received by voters, given the nature of his involvement in the events of Jan. 6 and his subsequent guilty plea.
