In a surprising turn of events, Adam Johnson, a Florida man widely recognized for his involvement in the U.S. Capitol riot, has thrown his hat into the political ring. Johnson, who infamously gained attention for posing with then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s podium during the chaotic events of January 6, 2021, is now eyeing a seat on the Manatee County Commission. He officially announced his candidacy as a Republican on the very anniversary of the Capitol riot, a move he candidly described as “not a coincidence” and as a strategic choice to generate buzz for his campaign.
His campaign logo, an outline capturing the moment he was photographed with Pelosi’s podium, serves as a bold reminder of his past and a central theme in his electoral bid. Johnson’s decision to run for public office marks him as part of a growing list of individuals linked to the Capitol riot who are seeking political positions, despite their controversial pasts. Notably, several others similarly associated with the events of that day have attempted to secure congressional seats, albeit unsuccessfully, in the 2024 elections.
This trend of political aspirations among those involved in the January 6 events is underscored by the Republican Party’s apparent openness to reintegrating these individuals, particularly following presidential pardons from Donald Trump. Jake Lang, another figure charged with serious offenses such as assaulting an officer and civil disorder, has announced his intention to vie for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Marco Rubio in Florida.
Johnson’s actions during the Capitol riot included placing Pelosi’s podium at the center of the Capitol Rotunda and striking a pose as if delivering a speech. Following the incident, he pled guilty to charges of entering and remaining in a restricted area, a misdemeanor he downplayed as akin to “jaywalking” during a recent interview. As Johnson embarks on his political journey, the shadow of his past actions will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the narrative of his campaign.
Jake Lang, who was charged with assaulting an officer, civil disorder and other crimes before he was pardoned, recently announced he is running for Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s vacant U.S. Senate seat in Florida.
Johnson placed the podium in the center of the Capitol Rotunda, posed for pictures and pretended to make a speech, prosecutors said. He pleaded guilty in 2021 of entering and remaining in a restricted building or ground, a misdemeanor that he equated to “jaywalking” in the interview.
“I think I exercised my First Amendment right to speak and protest,” Johnson said.
After driving home, Johnson bragged that he “broke the internet” and was “finally famous,” prosecutors said.
Johnson served 75 days in prison followed by one year of supervised release. The judge also ordered Johnson to pay a $5,000 fine and perform 200 hours of community service.
Johnson told U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton at sentencing that posing with Pelosi’s podium was a “very stupid idea,” but now says he only regrets his action because of the prison sentence.
“I walked into a building, I took a picture with a piece of furniture, and I left,” he now says.
Four other Republicans have filed to run so far in the Aug. 18 primary in what’s a deeply Republican county. The incumbent isn’t seeking reelection.
In March 2025, Johnson filed a lawsuit against Manatee County and six of its commissioners, objecting to the county’s decision not to seek attorney’s fees from someone who sued the county and dropped the lawsuit. The county has called Johnson’s claims “ completely meritless and unsupported by law.”
Johnson said he objects to high property taxes and overdevelopment in the county south of Tampa, claiming current county leaders are wasteful.
“I will be more heavily scrutinized than any other candidate who is running in this race,” Johnson said. “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.”
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