A self-described “furry” running for Congress has drawn national attention — and outrage — over his violent rhetoric and extremist posts. The scandal erupted after Michigan House candidate Samuel Smeltzer, who identifies as a honey badger, celebrated the assassinations of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Smeltzer, 36, an IT contractor from Lansing who goes by “Elyon Badger,” is running in the Democratic primary for Michigan’s Seventh Congressional District. Shortly after Kirk’s murder, Smeltzer posted on Bluesky, “If guns make us so safe, why am I dead?” and added, “I for one, celebrate the death of every Nazi.” He also praised the alleged shooter, writing, “Seeing the public support of the man who took action has actually started to cure my depression.”
The Furry Democrat candidate has a long record of inflammatory posts, including a 2024 tweet that got him banned from X for writing, “America deserved 9/11.” Smeltzer told the Washington Free Beacon he wants to bring “healthcare and tax the rich” policies to Congress while advocating for “the furry community,” which he called “the ultimate form of freedom in America.”
His opponent, former U.S. ambassador Bridget Brink, has not commented on the controversy despite Republican calls to condemn Smeltzer’s remarks. The race is considered a toss-up, with GOP incumbent Tom Barrett expected to face the Democratic nominee in November 2026.
