A Florida man convicted for his actions during the January 6 US Capitol riot, and later pardoned by former President Donald Trump, has launched a bid for political office. Adam Johnson, famously photographed carrying then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's lectern, filed to run as a Republican for an at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission.
From Capitol Riot to Campaign Trail
Johnson chose the fifth anniversary of the Capitol attack, 6 January 2026, to file his candidacy, admitting the date was "not a coincidence" and was "definitely good for getting the buzz out there." His campaign logo directly references his notoriety, featuring an outline of the viral image of him holding the lectern.
In 2021, Johnson pleaded guilty to entering and remaining in a restricted building, a misdemeanor he has since compared to "jaywalking." Prosecutors stated he placed the lectern in the Capitol Rotunda, posed for pictures, and pretended to make a speech. After driving home, he reportedly bragged that he "broke the internet" and was "finally famous."
A Pardon and a Political Path
Adam Johnson served 75 days in prison followed by a year of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and complete 200 hours of community service. In a significant turn of events, he was granted a presidential pardon by Donald Trump in January 2025.
Johnson is not an isolated case. There is a growing trend of individuals implicated in the January 6 attack seeking office, often with support from within the Republican party. For instance, Jake Lang, pardoned on charges including assaulting an officer, recently announced a Senate run in Florida for the seat vacated by Marco Rubio.
Campaign Focus and Legal Challenges
In his campaign, Johnson cites objections to high property taxes and overdevelopment in the county south of Tampa, criticising current leaders as wasteful. He acknowledges the scrutiny he will face, framing it as a positive for voters: "for once in our life, we will know our local politicians who are doing things."
His political entry is further complicated by an ongoing lawsuit. In March 2025, Johnson sued Manatee County and six commissioners over a decision not to seek legal fees from a dropped lawsuit. The county has dismissed his claims as "completely meritless and unsupported by law."
Four other Republicans have filed to run in the 18 August primary in the deeply Republican county, where the incumbent is not seeking re-election. Johnson's candidacy tests the political rehabilitation of those involved in one of America's most significant modern political events.
