According to a database maintained by Lawfare, 16 other states have pending legal challenges to the 45th President’s eligibility for office under the 14th Amendment. Like Colorado, the lawsuits fallaciously claim that Trump is barred because he engaged in an insurrection with his so-called actions during the Capitol Hill protest on Jan. 6, 2021.
Here is the full list:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Maine
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
The New York Times reports four of these lawsuits — in Michigan, Oregon, New Jersey, and Wisconsin — have been filed in state courts. Eleven lawsuits — in Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, New York, New Mexico, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming — have been filed in federal district courts.
The paper also notes that while a federal case in Maine fell by the wayside, it still has another challenge to Trump pending.
The Times reveals nine of the active federal cases were brought by John Anthony Castro, a long-shot Republican presidential candidate. He has filed challenges in 27 states regarding Mr. Trump’s eligibility on the ballot under the 14th Amendment over the years, including a case with the Supreme Court.
Trump’s legal troubles may soon get even worse. As TGP reported, California’s Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis has demanded the Secretary of State, Dr. Shirley N. Weber, to consider legal avenues for excluding former President Donald Trump from California’s 2024 presidential primary ballot.
California arguably has the most insane state government in America with a legal system to match. It would be a surprise if the Golden State did not attempt to disqualify Trump.
Fortunately, Trump will likely receive a reprieve soon. The Colorado Department of State notes that the Colorado Supreme Court’s hold will be temporarily lifted if the U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear Team Trump’s appeal. Trump will be eligible to be placed on the state’s Republican primary ballot until the nation’s top court decides.
Retired Judge J. Michael Luttig, a vile Trump hater who has vocally backed these absurd ballot challenges, says an appeal would freeze the other lawsuits.
“If the Supreme Court takes the case, it will effectively stay the proceedings in all of the other states,” said Luttig.
Hopefully, the Supreme Court will end this madness in short order. The fate of our democracy depends on it.