Jacob Chansley, the Jan. 6, 2021, protester who became known as QAnon Shaman, is aiming to step foot in the Capitol again — this time as a member of Congress.
The Arizona native has filed paperwork to run for Congress as a libertarian for the state’s 8th Congressional District. Rep. Debbie Lesko, a Republican, holds the seat but announced last month she won’t seek reelection.
A candidate statement of interest was signed by Jacob Angeli Chansley and filed with the Arizona secretary of state’s office Thursday.
Mr. Chansley, 35, is known for donning a horned headpiece, no shirt and face paint. For his participation in the Jan. 6 protest, he was sentenced to 41 months in prison in 2021 after he pleaded guilty to a charge of felony obstruction of an official proceeding. He was among the first demonstrators to enter the Capitol Building.
He served 27 months before being released to a halfway house in March.
The Constitution does not stop felons from running for Congress, but Arizona law stops them from voting until they have finished their sentence and have their rights restored.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.