A judge in Illinois has ruled against the inclusion of former President Donald Trump on the state’s 2024 Republican presidential primary ballot, citing his alleged role in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter, overturning the Illinois State Board of Elections’ previous dismissal of an anti-Trump challenge, issued the order, invoking the disqualification clause of the 14th Amendment.
According to court documents obtained by Fox News, Judge Porter directed the board to remove Trump’s name from the ballot or “discard any votes cast for him” due to his violation of the aforementioned constitutional provision.
This decision contradicts the Illinois Board of Elections ruling just a month ago, which upheld Trump’s candidacy despite allegations of insurrection from a group of Illinois voters.
However, the implementation of Porter’s decision is temporarily halted until Friday, providing an opportunity for Trump’s legal team to potentially appeal to either the Illinois Appellate Court, First District, or the Illinois Supreme Court.
A spokesperson for Trump’s campaign condemned the ruling, describing it as “an unconstitutional ruling” and confirming their prompt intention to appeal, as reported by Reuters.