JACKSON, Mich. — In the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, a significant shift in political dynamics has emerged, particularly within local Republican circles across the nation. Individuals who participated in the riot, who assaulted law enforcement officers, or trespassed into congressional offices, have found new roles as guest speakers at Republican events.
Following the pardoning of approximately 1,500 of these rioters by former President Donald Trump on the first day of his office, many of these individuals are now being given platforms to share their narratives of what transpired on that day. In some conservative environments, these figures are being hailed as heroes and martyrs rather than wrongdoers.
The prospect of political office has also become enticing for some of these former rioters, who are acknowledging that within segments of the pro-Trump base, their actions are viewed not through a criminal lens but as acts of patriotism.
Ryan Kelley, a former gubernatorial candidate in Michigan, found his political aspirations for governor derailed after being charged with misdemeanors related to his participation in the Capitol attack. Despite finishing fourth in the Republican primary, Kelley reports a groundswell of support urging him to re-enter the gubernatorial race in 2026.
At a recent event hosted by a county Republican committee in Jackson, Michigan, the 43-year-old was warmly welcomed, with attendees applauding and supporting his introduction as a participant in the Capitol riot. Kelley recounted how his young son feared for his life while he was serving a federal prison sentence. Despite his misdemeanor conviction for trespassing at the Capitol, Kelley argues that his punishment was influenced by his statements during his 2022 campaign, rather than his actions during the riot.
Nationwide, numerous local Republican groups have provided platforms for pardoned individuals from January 6 to speak. These engagements range from regular meetings to special fundraisers and include individuals convicted of various crimes, including violent acts and carrying weapons while on Capitol grounds.
For instance, in March, the Western Wake Republican Club in North Carolina invited James Grant, a pardoned participant who assaulted police officers during the Capitol riot, to deliver a speech. Similar events have occurred in other states, including an event in Tennessee that featured Ronald Colton McAbee, who was involved in violent incidents against law enforcement during the riot.
However, not all community responses have been welcoming. Some events featuring these individuals have faced significant backlash, forcing organizers to relocate or even cancel planned appearances. A notable incident in California highlighted this tension, resulting in three venue cancellations before eventually proceeding amid protests.
Historian Matt Dallek of George Washington University interprets the Republicans’ embrace of January 6 participants as a strategic move. The narratives provided by these pardoned individuals serve as a stark testament to what is perceived as federal overreach, thus acting as a potent rallying call and a potential tool for fundraising.
Nevertheless, elevating these individuals presents significant risks, Dallek notes, since many were found guilty of using violence to hinder the peaceful transfer of power. He suggests this trend reflects a growing acceptance of political violence on the right, particularly when aligned with Trump’s viewpoints and narrative.
Among those pardoned, some have announced ambitions for political office. Jake Lang has declared his candidacy for a U.S. Senate seat in Florida, while Enrique Tarrio, a former leader of the Proud Boys, considers a political run in the future. In Texas, Ryan Nichols briefly ventured a congressional run before withdrawing shortly after.
Kelley, contemplating another gubernatorial bid in 2026, acknowledges the complexities of balancing political ambitions with the demands of family life. Yet, he recognizes that the pardons have created new opportunities, stating in an interview, “We get a lot of hate, but I’m also going to get a lot of support.”