California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a cautionary message to his fellow Democrats, urging them not to get ahead of the U.S. Supreme Court, which is likely to have the final say on the matter of Trump and the Colorado Supreme Court ruling.
The Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling has served as a catalyst for similar efforts in California and other states to disqualify Trump under the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals who have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the U.S. government from holding office.
The court’s decision was based on the argument that Trump’s claims of election fraud and the events at the US Capitol on January 6 amounted to an insurrection.
This unprecedented ruling has emboldened proponents of Trump’s disqualification and spurred them to expedite their own legal actions.
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Despite the growing momentum behind attempts to bar Trump from the California ballot, Governor Newsom remains steadfast in his belief that candidates should be defeated through the democratic process of voting, according to a report by Politico.
In a statement to Politico, Newsom said, “There is no doubt that Donald Trump is a threat to our liberties and even to our democracy, but in California, we defeat candidates at the polls. Everything else is a political distraction.”
California Democrats’ Response to the Colorado Ruling
Notwithstanding Newsom’s message, several prominent California Democrats have been vocal in their support for efforts to block Trump from the state’s presidential primary ballot.
Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, who is running for governor in 2026, penned a letter urging California Secretary of State Shirley Weber to explore all legal avenues for Trump’s removal.
Similarly, Democratic State Senator Dave Min proposed a bill that would enable California residents to sue to prevent ineligible candidates from appearing on the ballot.
A Nationwide Legal Strategy Unfolds
The Colorado ruling has not only reverberated in California but has also influenced legal strategies in other states. In Michigan, a group of voters seeking to keep Trump off the ballot cited the Colorado decision in a letter to their state Supreme Court, arguing that it bolstered their case.
Likewise, in Maine, Democratic Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who is considering complaints challenging Trump’s eligibility, has invited lawyers on both sides to submit supplemental briefs in light of the Colorado ruling.
The outcome of these legal battles will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the 2024 presidential election.
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Moreover, legal experts have differing opinions on the interpretation of the insurrection clause and whether it applies to the office of the president.
The Role of the U.S. Supreme Court
Ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court is likely to have the final say on whether Trump can appear on the Colorado presidential primary ballot.
As Newsom emphasized, it is essential to respect the judicial process and await the court’s ruling before taking further action.
The Supreme Court’s decision will not only impact Trump’s eligibility in Colorado but may also set a precedent for future cases involving candidates accused of insurrection or rebellion.
The outcome will have far-reaching implications for the integrity of the electoral process and the balance between accountability and political participation.
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