Chansley gained prominence during the January 6th insurrection at the US Capitol, and his distinctive face paint and horned headdress made him one of the most recognizable figures of that day.

Despite being released from custody, Chansley has not shied away from the limelight. He has continued to post bizarre messages online, reflecting on his image and the narrative surrounding him. On his X profile, @AmericaShaman, he claims that his nickname is "a straw man they created in an attempt to control the narrative & destroy my public image."

Chansley's recent statement of interest, filed with the Arizona secretary of state last week, reveals his intention to run for Congressional District 8 as a libertarian. However, due to his felony conviction, he would need to have his voting rights restored before being able to cast a vote for himself.

The upcoming 2024 election for Congressional District 8 in Arizona is attracting significant attention, as Debbie Lesko, the current Republican representative, has announced that she will not seek re-election. Since Lesko's announcement, several Republican contenders have flooded into the race, eyeing the opportunity to secure this right-leaning district.

Among the Republican primary candidates already vying for the seat are Blake Masters, who previously ran an unsuccessful campaign for the Senate in 2022, Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma, unsuccessful attorney general candidate Abe Hamadeh from 2022, and state senator Anthony Kern, who notably attended the 6 January event at the Capitol.

With Chansley's entrance into the race, the political dynamics of Congressional District 8 have become even more intriguing. Chansley's filing as a libertarian adds a new dimension to the race, promising an "ENTIRELY different kind of campaign," as he stated in response to a campaign donation inquiry.

As the race for the open Congressional District 8 seat gains momentum, the upcoming primary election will undoubtedly be a critical milestone for all contenders. With Chansley's controversial background and his unique persona as the "QAnon Shaman," his potential candidacy is sure to attract significant attention and fervent debate in the political landscape of Arizona.

As the election draws nearer, the stage is set for a fierce battle among Republican candidates, ultimately culminating in the general election where candidates from different parties will compete for the chance to represent Congressional District 8 and shape the future of Arizona's political landscape.