Key takeaways:
- Jacob Chansley, a 35-year-old rioter from the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol assault, has filed paperwork to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.
- Chansley is running as a Libertarian and is challenging the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko.
- It is unclear if Chansley will be able to secure the Libertarian Party’s nomination, or if he will be able to run for office while awaiting trial, as he could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Jacob Chansley, the spear-carrying rioter who became one of the more recognizable figures in the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol, has filed paperwork to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.
Chansley, 35, filed a candidate statement of interest Thursday, indicating he wants to run as a Libertarian in next year’s election. He is running for the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko, a 64-year-old Republican who announced last month that she won’t seek re-election.
Chansley was arrested in January and charged with several federal offenses related to his involvement in the Capitol riot. He was released on bond in February and is awaiting trial.
The Libertarian Party of Arizona has not yet commented on Chansley’s candidacy. It is unclear if he will be able to secure the party’s nomination, as he has yet to meet the requirements to appear on the ballot.
It is also unclear if Chansley will be able to run for office while awaiting trial. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
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