The ‘QAnon Shaman’ plans to run for Congress in Arizona
Jacob Chansley, the spear-wielding rioter whose fur hat, bare chest and face paint made him one of the most recognizable figures in the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, apparently aspires to become a congressman.
What you need to know
- One of the most high-profile figures from the US Capitol riot clearly wants to run for Congress
- Online paperwork shows 35-year-old Jacob Chansley submitted a statement of interest in the candidate on Thursday, indicating he wants to run as a Libertarian next year in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District race.
- Chansley, formerly known as the “QAnon Shaman,” was the spear-wielding rioter wearing a horned fur hat and face paint during the 2021 Capitol attack.
- He pleaded guilty to a felony charge of obstructing an official proceeding and spent about 27 months in prison
Online paperwork shows the 35-year-old Chansley filed a statement of candidate interest on Thursday, indicating he wants to run as a Libertarian in next year’s election for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District seat.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko, a 64-year-old Republican who has represented the district since 2018, announced last month that she would not seek re-election. Her term officially ends in January 2025.
Chansley pleaded guilty to a felony charge of obstructing an official proceeding in connection with the Capitol insurrection.
He was sentenced to 41 months in prison in November 2021 and served about 27 months before being transferred to a home in Phoenix in March 2023. Chansley grew up in the greater Phoenix area.
Chansley is among more than 700 people sentenced in connection with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot. Authorities said Chansley was among the first rioters to enter the Capitol and admitted to using a bullhorn to stir up the mob.
Although he previously called himself a “QAnon Shaman,” Chansley has since disavowed the QAnon movement.
He identified himself as Jacob Angeli-Chansley on candidate statement of interest paperwork filed with the Arizona Secretary of State’s office.
The United States Constitution does not prohibit felons from holding federal office. But Arizona law prohibits felons from voting until they complete their sentence and regain their civil rights.
Emails sent to Chansley and his attorney seeking comment on his political intentions were not immediately answered Sunday.
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