In Michigan's Seventh Congressional District, IT contractor and Democratic primary candidate Samuel Smeltzer, also known as Elyon Badger within the furry community, has become the center of national controversy due to his extreme views expressed on social media. Smeltzer, 36, from Lansing, has drawn attention for his online remarks that include praise for the assassinations of prominent figures and harsh criticism of U.S. policies.
Smeltzer, who campaigns in a honey badger costume, has made headlines not only for his unique campaign approach but also for his polarizing statements. According to reports from The Washington Free Beacon, he has publicly celebrated the killings of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Following Kirk's death, Smeltzer's post on Bluesky, a social media platform, included a graphic image of Kirk's father with a controversial caption that questioned mourning the loss of what he perceived as evil.
The candidate's rhetoric does not stop at social media. Official campaign statements have labeled Kirk a "white supremacist" and accused gun-owning conservatives of stoking the violence. Smeltzer's views extend further to advocating for the incarceration of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, denouncing Israel as an enemy of the United States, and calling for actions against billionaires.
Smeltzer's political platform combines progressive policies, such as healthcare reform and increased taxation on the wealthy, with advocacy for the rights of the furry community, which he associates with American freedom. He positions himself as an anti-establishment figure challenging more traditional Democrats, including frontrunner and former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink. His social media presence also includes provocative imagery and statements expressing dislike for the United States and admiration for China.
Analysts have noted that Smeltzer's campaign strategy is emblematic of a trend in Democratic primaries where candidates blend online activism, subcultural identities, and radical declarations. This approach has been described as polarizing by observers, including the National Republican Congressional Committee, which condemned Smeltzer's posts as "dangerous and disgusting."
The Democratic primary in Michigan is not isolated in featuring candidates with unconventional views. Graham Platner, a Senate candidate from Maine, and Jay Jones, a candidate from Virginia, have also been in the spotlight for their controversial social media posts. These campaigns highlight a shift in Democratic primaries towards candidates whose idiosyncratic personas and fringe positions garner national media attention.
Smeltzer's bid for office, along with other outspoken candidates, is predicted to draw ongoing media scrutiny, underscoring the influence of subcultural politics and online radicalism on the 2026 election landscape. The Democratic primary winner will challenge Republican incumbent Tom Barrett in a competitive district.
