Judge in Cook County orders Trump removed from GOP ballot but delays decision pending appeal

Illinois Judge Orders Removal of Trump’s Name from Republican Primary Ballot

By PETER HANCOCK

Capitol News Illinois

Email: phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

Following a ruling by a Cook County judge, former President Donald Trump‘s name has been ordered to be withdrawn from the March 19 Republican primary ballot. However, the order has been temporarily stayed to allow time for a potential appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court.

Legal Decision

Judge Tracie Porter deemed the Illinois State Board of Elections’ previous decision as “clearly erroneous” when they rejected a petition challenging Trump’s candidacy. The petitioners argued that Trump’s involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack violated the 14th Amendment, disqualifying him.

Caryn Lederer, lead attorney for the objectors, emphasized the significance of upholding the U.S. Constitution in light of Judge Porter’s ruling. In response, Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, announced plans to appeal the decision, denouncing it as unconstitutional.

National Implications

Simultaneously, the U.S. Supreme Court is deliberating a similar challenge to Trump’s candidacy in Colorado. Despite the ongoing legal battles, Trump’s name will remain on the ballot in Illinois until further developments.

Judicial Review Process

The objection initially went through an administrative hearing, where the Board of Elections dismissed the complaint. However, a judicial review was sought in Cook County Circuit Court, leading to Judge Porter’s recent decision to overturn the board’s ruling.

Porter highlighted the board’s acknowledgment of Trump’s potential involvement in an insurrection and concluded that Trump’s candidacy declaration was based on false pretenses, warranting his removal from the ballot.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service dedicated to covering state government affairs. Supported by various foundations and associations, it serves as a reliable source of information for numerous media outlets across Illinois.