“The race in general is gonna be wild,” one independent researcher who tracks the far-right in Arizona under the moniker Arizona Right Watch tells WIRED. But, they add, they would still “take Chansley over Kern, who is totally corrupt and batshit.”
And even though the other candidates are possibly more connected politically, Chansley still thinks he has closer ties to voters in his home district.
“Several of the candidates running here in District 8 don’t even live in District 8. I’ve lived in District 8 for over 30 years,” he tells WIRED. “I’m largely doing it on my own. It’s just me and God, man.”
He’s currently working on a campaign website, and plans to begin knocking on doors to meet voters in the next couple of weeks. Chansley is also eager to take part in debates with other candidates. “That’s where I think I’ll shine,” Chansley says. “I’m ready to debate anyone and everyone that wants to try.”
When asked whether he would be attending a candidate forum being organized by a local community organization on Wednesday night, Chalsey says, “quite possibly.”
Chansley added that he doesn’t want any campaign donations, but says that if people want to support him, they can do so by buying merchandise on his website which includes T-shirts, mugs, and yoga leggings that feature him dressed in the notorious QAnon Shaman garb.
Despite having no experience, no money, no support, and no endorsements, Chansley is still optimistic about winning in 2024.
“I think my chances of winning are good, otherwise God wouldn’t have asked me to run,” Chansley says.
Correction: WIRED incorrectly stated the race Kari Lake lost in 2022. Lake lost the Arizona gubernatorial election in 2022 to Arizona’s then-secretary of state, Katie Hobbs.
