A judge in Maricopa County, Arizona, has recused himself from presiding over a case involving fake electors after an email surfaced revealing his stance on defending Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. In the email, the judge expressed regret for not speaking out against derogatory remarks made about Harris and emphasized the importance of standing up against unfair treatment of women.
The case involves Republican state Sen. Jake Hoffman and 10 other individuals who submitted false documents to Congress claiming that then-President Donald Trump won Arizona in the 2020 election. The defendants, including former Trump aides and lawyers connected to Trump, face charges of forgery, fraud, and conspiracy.
Lawyers for Hoffman argued that the judge's political bias compromised his impartiality, leading to the judge's recusal from the case. The defendants contended that the charges brought against them were an attempt to silence their constitutionally protected speech regarding the election.
While some defendants have resolved their cases, others have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Former Trump campaign attorney Jenna Ellis signed a cooperation agreement with prosecutors, resulting in the dismissal of her charges. Additionally, Republican activist Loraine Pellegrino pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge and received probation.
The judge, who was appointed by a Democratic governor, was set to retire in January. The case will now be assigned to another judge for further proceedings. Despite references to Trump as an unindicted coconspirator in the indictment, he was not charged in Arizona.
