Jacob Chansley, the rioter known for his distinctive horned fur hat, bare chest, and face paint during the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, appears to harbor political ambitions. The 35-year-old Chansley recently submitted a statement of interest online and filed the necessary paperwork, expressing his desire to run as a Libertarian candidate in the upcoming election for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District seat.
The incumbent, U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko, a 64-year-old Republican in office since 2018, declared last month that she will not seek re-election, with her term officially ending in January 2025.
Chansley, who pleaded guilty to obstructing an official proceeding related to the Capitol insurrection, received a 41-month prison sentence in November 2021. After serving approximately 27 months, he was transferred to a Phoenix halfway house in March 2023. A Phoenix native, he is one of over 700 individuals sentenced for federal crimes linked to the Capitol riot. Authorities noted that he was among the initial intruders to breach the Capitol and acknowledged using a bullhorn to incite the mob.
Despite previously identifying as the “QAnon Shaman,” Chansley has distanced himself from the QAnon movement. In the candidate statement of interest, filed with the Arizona Secretary of State’s office, he identified himself as Jacob Angeli-Chansley.
While the U.S. Constitution doesn’t bar felons from holding federal office, Arizona law prohibits felons from voting until they complete their sentence and have their civil rights restored. Emails seeking comments on Chansley’s political aspirations, sent to him and his attorney, were not immediately returned as of Sunday.
