Nancy Pelosi’s ‘Lectern Guy’ From Jan. 6 Announces Run for Local Office in Florida

A man who became one of the most recognizable figures from the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol has launched a bid for local office in Florida, announcing his campaign on the fifth anniversary of the riot, as reported by The New York Post.

Adam Johnson, 41, a Florida resident and father of five, confirmed he is running for an at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission.

Johnson is campaigning as what his website describes as a “conservative fighter” and filed his paperwork on Jan. 6, 2026, a date he acknowledged was chosen intentionally.

Johnson rose to national attention during the Jan. 6 riot after photographs circulated showing him smiling while carrying then–House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s lectern through the halls of the U.S. Capitol.

The image earned him the nickname “Lectern Guy.”

‘LECTERN GUY’ RUNNING: The man seen smiling and waving while carrying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s lectern during the Capitol riot is running for local office. https://t.co/7v4vfpI4pC

— 10 Tampa Bay News (@10TampaBay) January 9, 2026

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According to federal prosecutors, Johnson carried the lectern into the Capitol Rotunda, placed it in the center of the room, and pretended to deliver a mock speech before leaving the building.

He later pleaded guilty to entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, a misdemeanor offense.

Johnson was sentenced to 75 days in federal prison, ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, and required to complete 200 hours of community service. During sentencing, he acknowledged that posing with the lectern was a “very stupid idea.”

Prosecutors said that while driving back to Florida after the riot, Johnson bragged that he had “broken the internet” and was “finally famous.”

In a later interview with CBS News, Johnson described the incident by saying, “I walked into a building, I took a picture with a piece of furniture, and I left.”

The Jan. 6 riot occurred as Congress was certifying the 2020 presidential election results. Rioters forced past metal barricades and U.S. Capitol Police officers, smashed windows and doors, and entered the Capitol.

Some individuals carried weapons, including pepper spray and baseball bats, and chanted threats toward lawmakers, including calls to hang then–Vice President Mike Pence.

By the time President Donald Trump issued pardons for Jan. 6 defendants at the start of his second term, Johnson had already completed his sentence.

Because his conviction was for a misdemeanor rather than a felony, he did not lose his civil rights, including the ability to seek public office.

Johnson told WWSB that filing his candidacy on Jan. 6 was “not a coincidence” and said the timing was “good for getting the buzz out there.”

There are a lot of obstacles to overcome in my race for county commissioner, but nothing will be more difficult than convincing people to vote for a ginger. pic.twitter.com/gSZTZTPaL9

— The Lectern Guy (@lecternleader) January 12, 2026

His campaign website states that he decided to run after becoming frustrated with what it describes as conservative principles being ignored at the local level.

“He’s running because conservatives deserve leadership that actually fights for them,” the site reads.

“Real conservative leadership that exposes corruption, protects taxpayers, and puts residents over special interests. Adam can’t be bought. He can’t be bullied. And he won’t back down from exposing corruption wherever he finds it.”

Johnson also told the outlet that his psychology degree equips him to “deal with crazy people” and pointed to his involvement in church activities as preparation for public service.

Johnson is not the only former Jan. 6 defendant seeking office.

Jake Lang, another participant who was charged with assaulting an officer and civil disorder before receiving a presidential pardon, is running for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Several other convicted Jan. 6 participants attempted to run for Congress as Republicans in 2024 but were unsuccessful.

While felony convictions can affect voting rights, federal law does not prohibit convicted individuals from running for federal office. Eligibility for state and local offices varies by state law.

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