Jacob Chansley, the infamous QAnon Shaman who participated in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, has announced his intention to run for Congress in 2024 as a Libertarian. The 35-year-old Arizona resident, known for his distinctive face paint, animal fur, and horns, filed a statement of interest last Thursday to compete for the 8th Congressional District seat in Arizona.
Chansley’s decision to enter the political arena comes after Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko of Arizona declared she will not seek re-election. Lesko, who has held the seat since 2018, will serve the remainder of her term until January 2025. This vacant seat has created an opportunity for Chansley to make a bid for Congress.
The QAnon Shaman gained widespread attention during the Capitol riot as he was captured in countless images and videos, often seen brandishing an American flag while navigating the halls of the Capitol alongside fellow rioters. Chansley’s actions have landed him in legal trouble, with charges of civil disorder and violent entry to the Capitol, to which he pleaded guilty in September 2021.
In November 2021, Chansley was sentenced to 41 months in prison, but he was transferred to a Phoenix halfway house in March 2023 after serving around 27 months. At his sentencing hearing, Chansley expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he was wrong for entering the Capitol but maintained that he is not a violent criminal or domestic terrorist.
It is worth noting that Chansley, formerly affiliated with the QAnon movement, has since distanced himself from the controversial conspiracy theory. With over 700 individuals sentenced for their involvement in the Capitol riot, Chansley joins the long list of individuals facing legal repercussions.
As Chansley announces his congressional run, it remains to be seen how his connection to the Capitol riot and his controversial background may impact his campaign. With the Libertarian Party, he will attempt to garner support and compete for the 8th Congressional District seat in Arizona.
The upcoming 2024 election will undoubtedly include a range of candidates vying for various political offices. Amidst this landscape, Chansley’s entry into the political arena adds another layer of intrigue and raises questions about the intersection of activism, dissent, and electoral politics.
