Jacob Chansley, better recognized as the “QAnon Shaman” from the Capitol riot, has stirred the political pot with a recent move.
Reports from The Arizona Republic reveal he filed candidacy paperwork to run in Arizona’s 8th district for its open 2024 congressional seat, expressing an interest to run as a libertarian.
Angeli, gained widespread attention during the Capitol riot for his distinct appearance — sporting a horned fur hat, bare-chested, and adorned with face paint.
Despite a bemused reception from the public, his journey took a legal turn as he pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding and served 27 months of a 41-month sentence before transitioning to a halfway house in March.
This surprising political maneuver arrives in the wake of Rep. Debbie Lesko’s decision not to seek re-election.
However, Angeli’s bid faces a legal hurdle due to Arizona law, which restricts felons from voting until they complete their sentence and have their rights reinstated, although the state’s Constitution does not explicitly prohibit felons from running for Congress.
The implications of Angeli’s aspirations and the potential reception from constituents and the political landscape remain uncertain. His choice to run as a libertarian injects a wildcard into the region’s political dynamics, where party affiliations do not typically make or break candidates.
Despite the attention surrounding his filing, neither Chansley nor his legal representative have responded to requests for comment regarding his political pursuits, leaving the public and political pundits speculating about the intentions behind this bold move.
Angeli will have competition should he follow through with his statement of interest.
Former Republican Senate candidate Blake Masters announced recently that he would run for the open seat in the 8th district after ditching his plan to take on incumbent Senator Krysten Sinema in the Senate.
The district is safely Republican and went for former President Donald Trump by 13 points in 2020.
I would support him! F J B !!