Dakota Adams, the eldest son of Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers, is making significant changes in his life after breaking free from his father’s control. He is currently juggling work, college classes, and volunteer firefighting, and has decided to run for the Montana Legislature as a Democrat. Adams plans to sell the rifles, body armor, and tactical gear he used at anti-government protests alongside his father as part of moving away from his abusive upbringing.
Adams faces a tough challenge running as a Democrat in a deeply conservative area that heavily supported Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential race. Despite the odds, he sees his campaign as an opportunity to share his story of overcoming a traumatic childhood and advocate for his vision of democracy and personal responsibility. He believes that people sympathetic to extremist groups may be open to considering different perspectives through his campaign.
Adams grew up in the shadow of his father, who instilled in him constant fear of the government and the impending apocalypse. He describes Rhodes as lazy, paranoid, and a grifter who sabotaged his children’s upbringing. Adams recalls living in extreme isolation and constant paranoia in right-wing political spheres before breaking free from his father in 2018. Rhodes is currently serving time for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
At 27, Adams has been catching up on his education and focusing on self-discovery after years of therapy to heal from his toxic upbringing. He aspires to study political science and has received support from Democrats in his bid for the Legislature. Despite his unconventional appearance, Adams campaigns authentically, believing that being true to himself is more important than conforming to traditional political norms.
Adams, who is working in construction and participating in college classes, believes that American gun culture needs to be shifted toward civil service and responsibility to the community. He is against gun control laws that could prevent disadvantaged groups from protecting themselves. In his campaign, Adams aims to connect with voters on practical issues like housing costs, inflation, and abortion rights, rather than divisive cultural and social issues.
While he understands the challenges of competing in a Republican stronghold, Adams remains realistic about his chances of winning the election. He admires his opponent, Republican Rep. Neil Duram, and aims to at least reach the threshold set by former Governor Steve Bullock in the 2016 election. Regardless of the outcome, Adams is determined to continue his political journey, viewing it as a lifelong commitment to making a positive impact in his community.
