Colorado Judge Denies Trump's Request to Dismiss Eligibility Lawsuit, Clears Way for 2024 Ballot Trial

In an unprecedented trial beginning on October 30, the court will examine whether Trump's involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack constitutes an "insurrection or rebellion," potentially disqualifying him from future elections under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment; Colorado District Judge Sarah Wallace dismissed Trump's argument that his eligibility should be determined by Congress, not the courts.

Colorado District Judge Sarah Wallace has denied former President Trump's attempt to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to prevent him from running in the 2024 elections based on allegations of his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Trump's argument that the eligibility determination should be handled by Congress, not the courts, was rejected.
This ruling has cleared the way for a landmark trial starting on October 30, which will examine whether Trump's alleged actions during the January 6 attack violate Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. This amendment prohibits anyone who has 'engaged in insurrection or rebellion' against the U.S. from holding public office.
The case originated from a lawsuit filed by the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) on behalf of six Republican and unaffiliated voters in Colorado. These voters contend that Trump violated his oath of office by 'recruiting, inciting and encouraging a violent mob' on January 6 attempts to overturn the 2020 election’s results.
Another aspect of the trial will be the consideration of the fact that the enforcement of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment has historically been vague and applied only twice since the Civil War. However, Judge Wallace concluded that states could enforce this section under their own laws, without federal legislation.
This trial is part of broader legal discussions across the U.S., with similar lawsuits also filed in Minnesota, Michigan, New Hampshire, and Arizona. The results of this case may potentially shape future decisions and even reach the Supreme Court, affecting the prospects of Trump's 2024 presidential ambitions.