Adam Johnson, known from the viral Jan. 6 photo of him carrying Nancy Pelosi's lectern, has filed to run for an at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission in Florida and is using that image as his campaign logo. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor after the Capitol breach and was sentenced in February 2022 to 75 days in prison and a $5,000 fine. Johnson announced his campaign on the attack's anniversary, brands himself as 'Conservative' and 'MAGA,' and is challenging incumbent Jason Bearden.
Jan. 6 'Podium Guy' Adam Johnson Runs For Florida County Commission, Uses Viral Lectern Photo As Campaign Logo
tweet by Adam Johnson
Adam Johnson — the man whose grinning image carrying then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi's lectern through the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 became one of the attack's most widely shared photos — has filed to run for an at-large seat on the Manatee County Commission in Florida. He is using a silhouette of that viral image as his campaign logo.
Johnson was identified and arrested on Jan. 8, 2021 after photos of him with the lectern circulated online. He faced multiple charges, including trespassing, theft, violent entry and disorderly conduct, and ultimately pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of entering or remaining in a restricted building. In February 2022 he was sentenced to 75 days in prison and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
Sentencing Remarks And Later Posts
At his sentencing Johnson expressed remorse and acknowledged the violence of the day. He told the judge:
Adam Johnson merch
There were things there that happened that should never have happened. I'm ashamed to have been a part of it.
Removing the lectern from the place it was taken from was a very stupid idea. Foolish, and something I shouldn't have done.
In later public posts he adopted a more defiant tone. On Jan. 6, 2025 he reposted the lectern photo to X and wrote that, despite the punishment, he viewed the episode as a symbolic victory.
Campaign Launch And Platform
Johnson announced his campaign on Jan. 6, the anniversary of the Capitol attack. His campaign website displays the lectern silhouette as its logo and describes him as 'Conservative' and 'MAGA.' His stated priorities include helping "the forgotten conservative," exposing corruption, fighting for affordability, demanding sustainable growth that benefits residents, and pursuing practical solutions to traffic problems rather than additional studies.
The at-large Manatee County seat is currently held by Republican incumbent Jason Bearden, who won his 2022 primary with 61.5% of the vote and is seeking re-election. Johnson's entry transforms a local race into one that will draw broader attention because of his national notoriety.
Online Presence And Merchandise
Johnson operates the X account @lecternleader, markets a book and a range of merchandise featuring the lectern silhouette, and has embraced the image as part of his public persona. His campaign's use of the image raises questions about how actions from Jan. 6 continue to influence political messaging at the local level and how voters will respond as the campaign unfolds.
Help us improve.
