Judge Rules Trump Can Remain on Michigan Ballot for 2024 Presidential Primaries

A Michigan judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump can remain on the state’s ballot for the 2024 presidential primaries. The decision comes after a group of Michigan voters filed a legal challenge in September, arguing that Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and his conduct surrounding the Capitol riot violated Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, making him ineligible for office.

Judge James Robert Redford of the Michigan Court of Claims dismissed the effort, ruling that the question was a political one, not for the courts to decide. He noted that under Michigan law, the secretary of state does not have the authority to intervene in a primary election if the party chooses to list a candidate who would not qualify for the office.

The legal challenge was brought by non-profit Free Speech for People, and sought to have a judge find that the Constitution disqualified Trump for office. Trump then brought a suit of his own, asking the same judge to bar Michigan election officials from knocking him off the ballot.

The judge’s decision means that Trump will remain on the ballot at least through the 2024 presidential primaries in the state. It is unclear if the decision will be appealed, or if other states will follow suit.

The ruling is the latest development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding Trump’s candidacy. It is unclear if Trump will ultimately be allowed to run for office in 2024, but the judge’s decision ensures that he will remain on the ballot in Michigan for the time being.