A Manatee County Race with a Controversial Candidate

Adam Johnson, a Florida resident, is making waves as he runs for a seat on the Manatee County Commission. This isn't just any ordinary campaign; Johnson is the same man who made headlines during the U. S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. He was caught on camera smiling and waving while carrying then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's podium, a moment that quickly went viral. Johnson's decision to run for office is not without controversy. He filed his candidacy on the fifth anniversary of the Capitol riot, a date he admitted was not a coincidence. His campaign logo even features an outline of the infamous photograph of him with the podium. This move has sparked discussions about the Republican Party's stance on individuals involved in the January 6 events. Johnson's legal troubles stem from his actions during the riot. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of entering and remaining in a restricted building or ground. Despite this, he downplayed the severity of his actions, comparing it to "jaywalking. " He also claimed he was exercising his First Amendment rights to speak and protest. After serving 75 days in prison and completing a year of supervised release, Johnson has shown no significant remorse for his actions. He even bragged about "breaking the internet" and becoming "finally famous. " His only regret seems to be the prison sentence he received.Johnson's campaign focuses on local issues such as high property taxes and overdevelopment in Manatee County. He criticizes current county leaders for being wasteful and promises to bring more scrutiny to local politics. However, his past actions and legal issues cast a shadow over his campaign. Johnson is not the only individual with ties to the January 6 riot running for office. At least three others ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2024. The Republican Party's welcoming stance towards individuals convicted of January 6 offenses, especially after pardons, raises questions about the party's values and priorities. In March 2025, Johnson filed a lawsuit against Manatee County and six of its commissioners, alleging the county's decision not to seek attorney's fees from a dismissed lawsuit was unfair. The county has dismissed his claims as "completely meritless and unsupported by law. " As the August 18 primary approaches, Johnson's candidacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing impact of the January 6 Capitol riot. His campaign highlights the complex interplay between personal actions, legal consequences, and political aspirations.