Arthur Jones lives in Illinois, but he’s so much more than just that. He’s also a former high-ranking official in the American Nazi Party. As such, he’s also a Holocaust denier (he called it “an international extortion racket”), who is just as open about his other, let’s say, “controversial” beliefs. For example, he thinks the Confederate flag is an honorable symbol of white pride. His website (which we won’t link to) features photos of Jones speaking to the KKK and other white supremacy groups, destroying Israel’s flag, and, most indicative of his Nazi beliefs, giving the Nazi salute.
All of that has most definitely thwarted his previous efforts to run for office, because who wants a Nazi to represent them, other than Nazis? Well, he’s running for office again, this time in Illinois’ third U.S. Congressional District. But Jones is the only Republican candidate running, meaning he becomes the GOP nominee for the March 20 primary election by default. However, the 3rd district is heavily Democratic—which is why no Republicans are bothering to run—so Jones will likely go down to defeat in November. But still, there’s a literal Nazi running for office in America state in 2018 and he’ll likely be on the general election ballot in November, and Republican voters will vote for him because he’s the Republican candidate.
The local GOP is appalled. “The Illinois Republican Party and out country have no place for Nazis like Arthur Jones,” organization chairman Tim Schneider told the Chicago Sun-Times. “We strongly opposed his racist views and his candidacy for any public office, including the 3rd Congressional District.”
Nevertheless, Jones isn’t deterred. “It’s absolutely the best opportunity in my entire political career,” he told the Chicago Tribune. “Every time I’ve run it’s been against a Republican who follows this politically correct nonsense.”