(US MEDIA GROUP) – The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that Trump is ineligible to appear on the state’s ballot due to his role in inciting the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. As a result, California’s Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis is urging the state’s Secretary of State Shirley Weber to follow suit and consider all legal options to keep Trump off California’s ballot.
Kounalakis, who is also running for California governor in 2026, wrote a letter to Weber stating, “This decision is about honoring the rule of law and protecting our democracy. The Colorado Supreme Court has made it clear that Trump’s involvement in the insurrection disqualifies him under the 14th Amendment. California must stand on the right side of history and determine if Trump is also ineligible for the same reasons.”
She emphasized that this is not a political ploy, but a crucial matter that threatens the sanctity of our Constitution and democracy.
The Colorado Supreme Court’s 4-3 ruling, which is temporarily stayed until January 4th, marks a turning point in this legal battle. Three justices dissented from the decision, but the majority stood firm in their duty to uphold the law without being influenced by public opinion.
However, many have pointed out that the former president has not been convicted or even charged with insurrection. In fact none of the more than 1000 individuals arrested for actions surrounding to the Jan. 6 riot have been charged with insurrection.
In a previous ruling, Colorado District Judge Sarah B. Wallace also found Trump unfit for the ballot due to his role in the Capitol riot. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold said in a statement that she will continue to follow court guidance on the matter.
Now, 13 states, including Texas, Nevada, and Wisconsin, have pending lawsuits to disqualify Trump from their ballots. It’s clear that action must be taken to prevent a dangerous and unqualified individual from running for the highest office in the land.
The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution states that no one who has engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the government can hold any office under the United States. This includes being a presidential candidate. Trump’s involvement in the Capitol riot falls under this disqualifying clause.