Illinois Election Board Rules Trump Ineligible Due to Capitol Riot
In a landmark decision, the Illinois State Board of Elections has ruled that former President Donald Trump is ineligible to be on the ballot for the March 19 Republican primary. The board’s decision comes after a hearing officer determined that Trump’s role in the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, constituted insurrection.
14th Amendment Cited as Basis for Ruling
The ruling was based on Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, a provision from the Civil War era that prohibits individuals who engaged in insurrection or rebellion from holding office. Five Illinois voters filed a petition arguing that Trump’s actions on January 6th made him ineligible under this amendment.
Republican Board Member Supports Decision
Republican board member Catherine S. McCrory expressed her support for the ruling, stating, “There is no doubt in my mind that [Trump] manipulated, instigated, aided and abetted an insurrection on Jan. 6.” However, she emphasized that it was not her role to make the final decision.
Legal Battles and Supreme Court Involvement
Trump’s campaign has vowed to challenge the ruling and has already appealed a judge’s decision to put it on hold. The Supreme Court is set to hear a similar case from Colorado on February 8th, which may impact the final outcome. Time is of the essence, as the March 5 primaries are quickly approaching.
Broader Implications for Trump’s 2024 Campaign
This ruling in Illinois adds to a series of lawsuits in Minnesota, Michigan, Arizona, and Oregon that have sought to block Trump from the 2024 ballot. While previous cases were dismissed on procedural grounds, the Illinois ruling suggests that there is growing legal scrutiny surrounding Trump’s eligibility to hold office.
Disclaimer: Fox News Digital’s Danielle Wallace and the Associated Press contributed to this report.