JACKSON, Mich. — In the 2022 gubernatorial race in Michigan, Ryan Kelley was a promising candidate until charges were brought against him for his involvement in the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. This development severely hindered his campaign, resulting in a fourth-place finish among five contenders in the Republican primary. However, three years on from that event, Kelley finds himself encouraged by supporters urging him to consider another gubernatorial run. In the current political climate, with President Donald Trump back in the White House and having pardoned numerous January 6 rioters immediately upon returning, Kelley’s two-month incarceration is no longer seen as a barrier to public office.
In fact, rather than being sidelined, individuals who took part in the Capitol attack, including those involved in violence or trespassing, are now being celebrated as guest speakers at Republican events nationwide. They are being presented as heroes, with some even exploring political ambitions, realizing that they are viewed by a segment of Trump’s base as patriots rather than wrongdoers. Ryan Kelley, a 43-year-old commercial real estate developer, is one such figure harnessing the political momentum.
At a recent Republican committee event in Jackson, Michigan, Kelley received a warm reception. Attendees applauded as he introduced himself as “your favorite J6er,” sharing emotional anecdotes about his family’s ordeal during his time in prison. Many in the audience called for him to run for governor in 2026, something he is considering. Todd Gillman, the Republican chairman for the local congressional district, expressed admiration for Kelley, viewing him as resilient against what he termed as “lawfare.”
Historians like Matt Dallek from George Washington University have noted that featuring January 6 participants aligns with Republican strategies that highlight alleged government overreach. Dallek points out how President Trump has characterized these individuals as political prisoners and defenders of election integrity. However, it’s important to note that the 2020 election was confirmed as legitimate by several authorities and was criticized in courts for a lack of evidence supporting Trump’s claims.
Despite the celebratory platforms being given to these individuals, there is an inherent danger in their glorification. Many were involved in acts determined as criminal by juries, including the use of violence to disrupt democratic processes. The ongoing acceptance of their actions within certain political groups suggests a worrying trend toward normalizing political violence when it serves a particular narrative.
Kelley’s legal issues stemmed from a misdemeanor trespassing charge, which he accepted in order to avoid graver consequences. His decision contrasts his earlier admission of wrongdoing during sentencing, which involved crossing police lines and inciting others at the Capitol. As he addressed his audience in Jackson, Kelley framed his legal battles as a stance for personal beliefs, resonating with many listeners.
This support for January 6 participants is evident in various Republican circles across the nation. An Associated Press count found at least 24 local Republican groups have invited these individuals to share their experiences, often presenting them as victims of government suppression. This trend includes people with both relatively minor and more severe charges related to the events of that day.
Some groups, however, have encountered backlash from communities uncomfortable with rebranding these actions as heroic. For instance, events in California faced venue cancellations due to public protests. Critics argue that turning rioters into heroes misrepresents history in dangerous ways.
Some pardoned participants are considering or pursuing political careers. Jake Lang, for instance, announced his candidacy for a Senate seat in Florida, while others, like Enrique Tarrio, have expressed interest in pursuing office in the future. This reflects the potential for Trump’s pardons to catalyze these individuals into political ventures.
Kelley remains undecided about his political future, weighing the prospects amid personal and professional considerations. Nonetheless, he acknowledges the political capital provided by the current landscape to potentially advance his career, recognizing both the support and criticism he might garner.