Adam Johnson, who gained infamy for his grinning photo with Nancy Pelosi's lectern during the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, has reemerged with political ambitions. This time, he aims for a local political position in Florida.
Now 41, Johnson is running as a Republican candidate for a general seat on the Manatee County Commission, located in a predominantly conservative area south of Tampa. His official candidacy was announced on January 6, 2026, a date he intentionally selected to stir public interest.
"It's undoubtedly a good move to spark curiosity," he told WWSB-TV. His campaign logo even features the silhouette of the viral image that catapulted him to notoriety five years ago.
The Transition from 'Podium Guy' to Political Hopeful
Johnson became a household name on January 6, 2021, when he was photographed inside the U.S. Capitol, beaming and waving while holding the lectern of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The image quickly became a widely circulated symbol of the pro-Trump mob's attempt to halt the certification of the electoral results.
During the ensuing legal proceedings, Johnson pled guilty to the misdemeanor of "entering or remaining in a restricted building." His sentence included 75 days in prison, a year of supervised release, 200 hours of community service, and a $5,000 fine. At his sentencing, he expressed remorse, admitting that posing with the podium was a "very foolish idea."
More recently, however, he has downplayed his actions, likening his offense to "jaywalking" and expressing regret only for having been punished with imprisonment. "I entered a building, took a picture with a piece of furniture, and left," he stated. He also claimed, "I believe I exercised my First Amendment right to speak and protest."
Capitalizing on Notoriety for Electoral Gain
Despite his controversial past, Johnson is using his notoriety as a core component of his campaign. His use of the viral image's silhouette in campaign materials underscores his strategy to transform infamy into political capital.
"I will be scrutinized more rigorously than any other candidate in this race," he acknowledged. "That's a positive thing, a valuable lesson for all citizens, because for the first time, we'll really know our local politicians," he told local media.
The election is scheduled for August 18, and there are currently at least four Republican candidates vying in the primary. With the current commission chair not seeking reelection, the field is open for new contenders in this Republican stronghold.
In addition to his candidacy, Johnson is entangled in a legal battle with local authorities. In March 2025, he filed a lawsuit against Manatee County and six of its commissioners over a local government decision. The county dismissed the lawsuit as "completely unfounded."
Johnson's platform focuses on addressing what he sees as inefficient public fund management, reducing property taxes, and curbing overdevelopment in the area. He has also voiced dissatisfaction with what he perceives as a departure from MAGA (Make America Great Again) principles.
"I'm tired of seeing MAGA principles disregarded at the local level," his campaign website states.
A Growing Trend in Republican Politics?
Johnson's case isn't unique. At least three individuals involved in the Capitol riot ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2024, all as Republicans. Among them was Jake Lang, who faced charges for assaulting an officer and civil disorder before being pardoned by Donald Trump. Lang announced a run for Marco Rubio's vacant Senate seat in Florida.
These candidacies highlight a gradual normalization of January 6 defendants within certain Republican circles, especially following Trump's pardons upon his return to power. In Johnson's case, although he has already served his sentence, his current narrative seems to recast the riot as a legitimate protest rather than a criminal act.
Understanding the Political Climate in Florida
Why did Adam Johnson choose January 6 to announce his candidacy?
Adam Johnson selected January 6 to announce his candidacy to generate public interest and possibly draw attention to his involvement in the Capitol riot, which occurred on the same date in 2021.
What are Adam Johnson's main campaign issues?
Adam Johnson's campaign focuses on reducing property taxes, improving the management of public funds, and limiting excessive development in his region.
How has Adam Johnson's past impacted his political campaign?
Johnson has leveraged his past notoriety from the Capitol riot as a strategic element of his campaign, using the viral image as part of his branding to convert scandal into political advantage.