Local man pardoned by Trump wants run at Congress

LONGVIEW — A man formerly imprisoned over the January sixth us capitol riot is running for Congress in East Texas. Three months ago, Ryan Taylor Nichols, of Longview, was pardoned by President Trump for his part in the January 6th US Capitol riot. Nichols, who was serving a five year prison sentence, is now running for congress. He is challenging two term Republican Nathaniel Moran.

SMU Political Scientist Cal Jillson says Moran is much more polished and has run successful campaigns. Jillson says Nichol’s January 6th history may appeal to some voters. Nichols sprayed pepper spray at police and entered the US Capitol through a broken window. He then egged on the crowd to get inside. Later, he put a message on social media says he stands for violence.