Ryan Bundy is running for the governor of Nevada in a long-shot bid to not just fight the government, but become the government.
His platform is vague so far and revolves around what he terms the "protection of our life, liberty and property."
"I felt I have to [run for governor]. I considered others who are running. And I cannot see anyone who I can trust with protecting my rights, nor the rights of these others," Bundy said. "And so I feel that I need to do this for the good of Nevada, for the good of the people."
While Bundy's campaign seems unlikely to succeed, it is not the only front the Bundys are pursuing to further their anti-government cause.
Cliven, Ryan and Ammon Bundy have all participated in speaking events around the West in the months since they left jail, many of them well-attended.
At those events, they've told their followers to do "whatever it takes" to continue the fight.
The Bundys have also met with other western families with land management gripes with the government. They've encouraged those families at times to follow in their footsteps and ignore federal policies, or call in the militia if needed.
All of these efforts clearly show the Bundys are not going to go away just because their court case is resolved. They are actively searching for their next big protest — their next standoff if it comes to that — to put their point of view in the limelight.
The Bundys are trying to create a new state of mind in the American West. And by their own account, they'll do "whatever it takes" to make that happen.
About "Bundyville"
“Bundyville” is a joint podcast by OPB and Longreads, hosted and reported by award-winning freelance journalist Leah Sottile. It is produced by Peter Frick-Wright and Robert Carver of 30 Minutes West Productions, and OPB’s Ryan Haas.
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