John Strand, Former Model and Jan. 6 Convict, Seeks Florida Congressional Seat

Strand’s campaign website repeats the claim “I was innocent” and frames his candidacy around a self-described “Maverick” identity, promises of “Judeo-Christian values,” and opposition to LGBTQ-related events.

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Strand previously worked as an international underwear model, appearing on the cover of the French gay magazine *Sensitif* in 2012 and modeling for the gay fashion label RUFSKIN. After the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, a federal jury convicted him of five criminal counts, including one felony, and he served roughly a year in prison. In January 2025, former President Donald Trump granted him a pardon along with about 1,500 other Jan. 6-related convicts.

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• Jan. 6, 2021 – Capitol breach; Strand later arrested.

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• 2022 – Conviction on five counts; sentenced to 32 months.

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• 2023 – Served approximately one year in federal prison.

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• Jan. 2025 – Received presidential pardon.

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• May 2025 – Joined a Naples protest supporting a city ban on a drag show.

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• Dec. 2025 – Testified before Naples City Council on Pride events.

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• Aug. 7, 2026 – Victory Insights poll released showing Strand at roughly 3 % support.

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Strand has received public endorsements from Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), former national security adviser Gen. Michael Flynn, MyPillow founder Mike Lindell, and talk-show host Dennis Prager. Turning Point USA initially endorsed him but withdrew its support the week before the primary, shifting to challenger Catalina Lauf. President Trump endorsed Lauf, not Strand, in a statement released shortly before the primary.

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Former friends note a stark contrast between Strand’s past social circles and his current anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. Loran Morgan, who has known Strand for more than 15 years, said, “I met him in a gay bar,” and expressed anger that Strand now attacks the community that once supported him. Amy Messigian, who housed Strand and his then-wife, called his Jan. 6 pardon “unfortunate and undeserved” and highlighted the betrayal felt by LGBTQ friends.

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• Conviction: five counts, one felony; sentence 32 months.

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• Campaign fundraising: just over $100,000 total, including a $20,000 personal loan.

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• Polling: Victory Insights poll (released Aug. 7, 2026) placed Strand at about 3 % support, near the bottom of the field.

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Strand’s campaign materials assert that “the DOJ vacated every charge.” U.S. Department of Justice records, however, show the convictions remain on his record, illustrating a dispute between Strand’s self-portrayal and official documentation.

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The August 7 poll indicates Strand’s support remains minimal, suggesting his Jan. 6 narrative and anti-LGBTQ stance have not translated into broad voter backing at this stage of the primary.

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• “I met him in a gay bar,” — Loran Morgan

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• “He had a place he wanted to go to in West Hollywood because he knew the bartender. It ended up being a gay bar,” — Richard Valois

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• “He had this insatiable thirst for fame. All his social media was talking about being famous,” — Richard Valois

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