LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – GOP governor hopeful Ryan Kelley said last month’s home raid by the F.B.I. and subsequent misdemeanor charges for his alleged involvement in the events surrounding January 6, 2021 have not slowed him down.

“This was aimed to silence me, intimidate me and my family, and my supporters,” Kelley told “The Steve Gruber Show” on Wednesday. “We’re not going to be intimidated. This has added courage to my soul [and] fire to my spirit.”

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Kelley is one of five GOP candidates vying for the party’s top spot to take on Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in November. His four opponents spoke out in support of him and his family after his arrest on June 16.

Meanwhile, Kelley says he and his lawyers are waiting on court dates and figuring out what his legal battles may look like.

“We’re fighting it,” Kelley said. “It’s nonsense. These charges are ridiculous.”

On Wednesday night, Kelley will face off against Tudor Dixon, Ralph Rebandt, Kevin Rinke, and Garrett Soldano on the debate stage in Oakland County.

“We’re not going to play this virus charade game back and forth to control this population,” Kelley said when referencing what his administration will do on the first day in office. He has repeatedly said the pandemic will be over when he’s elected. “We’re watching our society shift from a freedom mentality to a ‘We will keep you safe and secure if you just give up your freedoms.’ You don’t get that with Governor Kelley.”

Michigan’s GOP primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 2.