Perry Johnson to Match Up to $1M in J6 Defense Fund

Republican presidential primary candidate Perry Johnson has started the Defend Them PAC to help fund the defense for Americans who are accused of crimes related to the 2020 presidential election, vowing to personally match up to $1 million.

"These America-loving moms, dads, grandmas, and grandpas had grievances with the 2020 election and were doing what they believed was best for their nation," Johnson wrote in a statement. "These are ordinary Americans who love their country – not criminals.

"Political speech in this nation is protected by the first amendment and we must never criminalize it."

Johnson, who was denied entry for the initial Republican National Committee debate, also called out the RNC for abandoning those who sought election integrity in the past presidential election.

"The RNC has abandoned these people in a time of need as they continue to be persecuted," Johnson's statement added. "Our judicial system is founded on the principle of due process.

"These electors deserve a robust legal defense, and that is why I am establishing this fund, and promising to match up to $1 million as they face a tough road ahead."

Michigan has charged 16 Republicans for having lined up to be alternate electors for former President Donald Trump in the event 2020 election challenges were kicked back to the states after congressional debate Jan. 6, 2021. That session was overseen by former Vice President Mike Pence, who was adamant he only reads and counts the state electors and had no authority to ask the states to review allegations of election fraud.

"Based on my review of the evidence and legal authority, I do not recommend authorizing charges against the 16 Republican candidates for electors," one prosecutor said of the 16 Michigan GOP electors charged by Democrat Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Donations made at DefendThem.net qualify for Johnson's vow to match up to $1 million.

Johnson did not appear in the first RNC presidential primary debate, but the self-made millionaire has bought a 7-figure national TV and digital campaign ad buy over the coming weeks, according to his campaign.

• Perry Johnson to Newsmax: GOP Voters Dislike Pence's Positions
• Perry Johnson to Newsmax: RNC Used Different Polling Criteria for Candidates