Adam Johnson, a Florida resident known for his involvement in the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, has filed to run as a Republican for an at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission.
Johnson gained public recognition after being photographed carrying then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's podium during the event. He filed for office on January 6, the fifth anniversary of the riot, stating to WWSB-TV that the timing was "not a coincidence" and beneficial for "getting the buzz out there." His campaign logo features an outline of the viral photograph of him with the podium.
Johnson is among several individuals implicated in the January 6 riot who have sought public office. He pleaded guilty in 2021 to entering and remaining in a restricted building or ground, a misdemeanor he has equated to "jaywalking." Initially, he called posing with the podium a "very stupid idea" at sentencing but now expresses regret only for the prison sentence, saying, "I walked into a building, I took a picture with a piece of furniture, and I left." He served 75 days in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and complete 200 hours of community service.
Johnson's platform includes objections to high property taxes and overdevelopment in Manatee County. He previously filed a lawsuit against Manatee County and commissioners in March 2025, challenging a decision not to seek attorney's fees from a dropped lawsuit, a claim the county has labeled "completely meritless." He anticipates significant scrutiny as a candidate, viewing it as a positive for citizens to understand their local politicians. Four other Republicans have also filed for the August 18 primary in the Republican-leaning county, where the incumbent is not seeking reelection.