In a resounding defeat, Derrick Evans, a self-proclaimed “political prisoner” and January 6 rioter, lost the Republican primary race to incumbent Representative Carol Miller in West Virginia’s 1st Congressional District.
Evans’ attempt to rebrand himself as a martyr for the cause was met with rejection by voters despite his efforts to raise funds and garner support by touting his involvement in the Capitol attack.
Evans’ guilty plea to a felony count of obstructing or impeding officers during a civil disorder and his subsequent three-month prison sentence in June 2022 was widely publicized.
Derrick Evans, Who Stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, Falls Short in West Virginia House Primary
His apologetic tone in court contrasted sharply with his later claims of being a “political prisoner” and his spread of conspiracy theories about the attack.
The damning evidence against him included his own live-streamed video, which showed him storming the Capitol and bragging in the third person, as well as his text messages revealing knowledge of his unlawful actions.
Despite his attempts to capitalize on his involvement in the Capitol attack, Evans’ campaign was met with skepticism and ultimately rejected by voters.
In contrast, Representative Miller, a supporter of Donald Trump, has a strong track record of aligning with the former president’s policies and was one of 147 Republicans who voted against certifying Joe Biden’s victory after the Capitol attack.
With the solidly Republican district, Miller is heavily favored to win re-election in the fall. The defeat of Evans serves as a rebuke to those who seek to profit from and glorify violent extremism and lawlessness.
