'QAnon shaman' from Jan. 6 Capitol attack could run as Libertarian for Congress

Arizona's "QAnon shaman," whose horned fur hat and tattoos became an enduring symbol of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, wants to go back to Washington, D.C.

This time, Jacob Chansley wants to be a member of Congress from Arizona's 8th District.

Chansley filed paperwork with the Arizona Secretary of State's Office Thursday indicating his interest in running as a Libertarian in the 2024 general election.

Two years ago, Chansley was sentenced to 41 months in prison for his role in the attack. He was released to a halfway house in March.

On Jan. 6, 2021, inside the Capitol, Chansley strode into the U.S. Senate chambers and took the dais. He left a note for Vice President Mike Pence that said, “It’s only a matter of time. Justice is coming!”

His striking appearance provides a universal reference point to the attack, including for comedy sketches and political cartoons mocking the participants.

He could not be reached for comment to confirm he had filed the candidate statement of interest.

Chansley also has used the name Jacob Angeli, rather than his legal last name, which was used to charge and convict him for his role in the attack. Many people refer to him as "QAnon shaman" after he was captured on video at the Capitol. He identified himself in state paperwork as Angeli-Chansley.

Arizona law prohibits people convicted of felonies from voting until they have completed their sentence and had their civil rights restored. But the U.S. Constitution does not prohibit felons from holding federal office.

Chansley is aiming to enter a congressional race that's so crowded, he's not even the only one who was at the attack on the Capitol.

The rush is on to replace Rep. Debbie Lesko, who has served the reliably Republican district since 2018 and has said she will not run again. Whoever wins the Republican primary in the district stands a good chance of holding the seat for a long time if that person chooses.

Other Republicans running for the seat include Ben Toma, Arizona House speaker; Blake Masters, who lost a 2022 bid for U.S. Senate; Abe Hamadeh, a 2022 candidate for Arizona attorney general; state Sen. Anthony Kern of Glendale, who also was at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021; Trent Franks, who resigned from the seat amid controversy in 2017; Seth Coates; Isiah Gallegos; Jimmy Rodriguez; Rollie Stevens; and Brandon Urness.

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Reach reporter Ryan Randazzo at [email protected] or 602-444-4331. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @UtilityReporter.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'QAnon shaman' Jacob Chansley could run for Debbie Lesko seat in Ariz.