An Illinois state judge ruled on Wednesday to bar Donald Trump from participating in the Illinois Republican presidential primary ballot. The decision stemmed from his involvement in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
However, the judge delayed the implementation of her ruling, anticipating an appeal from the former president. Cook County Circuit Judge Tracie Porter sided with Illinois voters who contended that Trump’s actions violated the anti-insurrection clause of the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment.
This ruling affects Trump’s eligibility for both the March 19 primary ballot and the November 5 general election ballot in Illinois.
The final resolution of the Illinois case, along with similar challenges, is anticipated to rest with the U.S. Supreme Court.
Arguments concerning Trump’s eligibility for the ballot were presented to the Supreme Court on February 8. Judge Porter explained her decision to stay the ruling, citing the expectation of an appeal to Illinois’ appellate courts and the potential involvement of the U.S. Supreme Court.
The advocacy group Free Speech For People, leading the disqualification effort in Illinois, hailed the ruling as a “historic victory” in a statement.
A spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, who currently leads the 2024 Republican nomination race, denounced the Illinois ruling as unconstitutional and vowed a swift appeal.
Earlier, Colorado and Maine also excluded Trump from their state ballots, citing disqualification under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.
Both states have suspended their decisions pending Trump’s appeals. Section 3 prohibits individuals from holding public office if they previously swore to uphold the Constitution and subsequently participated in insurrection or rebellion against it, or provided assistance to its enemies.
On January 6, 2021, Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, assaulting police and attempting to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s election win.
Prior to the violence, Trump delivered an inflammatory speech, urging his supporters to march to the Capitol and “fight like hell.” Despite pleas to intervene, Trump remained inactive for hours.
Currently, the Supreme Court is considering Trump’s appeal regarding his disqualification from the Colorado ballot.
Justices during oral arguments seemed doubtful of the decision, voicing worries about states taking broad actions with potential national electoral ramifications.
