Trial Date Set in Arizona Elector Case

An Arizona judge has set a trial date of January 5, 2026, for a group of 18 Republicans charged in a case related to the 2020 election 'fake elector' scheme, which included claims of conspiracy, fraud, and forgery. At a recent hearing, defendants, including prominent Trump allies, requested to dismiss the charges under a state law aimed at preventing baseless legal actions, arguing that the charges infringe on their constitutional rights. Prosecutors counter that the defendants' actions constituted fraud rather than protected speech. The defendants' claims of bias against Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes were also contested, with prosecutors asserting that evidence for such claims was lacking. Several defendants have already resolved their cases, with one pleading guilty and another cooperating with prosecutors. The case continues to unfold as defendants maintain their not guilty pleas.