Overview
- Johnson filed on January 6 for an at-large seat in Manatee County, Florida, and said the timing was chosen to generate attention.
- The campaign features the outline of the viral image of him carrying Nancy Pelosi’s lectern, which also appears on merchandise he promotes.
- Court records show he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for entering a restricted building and received 75 days in prison, a $5,000 fine, 200 hours of community service, and one year of supervised release.
- His public posture shifted from remorse at his 2022 sentencing to celebratory posts, including a 2025 message touting the lectern photo.
- Multiple Republicans have filed for the August 18 primary in the heavily GOP county, with outlets differing on whether incumbent Jason Bearden is seeking reelection.