Judge Rejects Kari Lake’s Election Challenge

An Arizona court rejected Kari Lake‘s attempt to re-litigate her Arizona gubernatorial loss. Lake’s ten lawsuits alleged she lost because of election official malfeasance.

The court decision upholds that Lake lost the November election to Kate Hobbs by more than 17,000 votes. Lake will appeal the decision – but her legal challenges appear to be coming to an end.

Lake was suing Maricopa County elections officials to overturn the election.

“The margin of victory as reported by the official canvass is 17,117 votes – beyond the scope of a statutorily required recount,” Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Peter Thompson said in his order. “This challenge also comes after a hotly contested gubernatorial race and an ongoing tumult over election procedures and legitimacy.”

“She must, as a matter of law, prove a ground that the legislature has provided as a basis for challenging an election.”

Judge Thompson states that no election has ever been overturned on these grounds in U.S. history.

On December 19, the judge rejected eight of Lake’s court claims. He dismissed the other two on Saturday.

“We’re pleased the courts have upheld the will of the voters,” Nicole Demont, Hobbs’ campaign manager, said in a statement. “Governor-Elect Hobbs is continuing the work of preparing to take office as Arizona’s next Governor.”

Lake has spread conspiracy theories about Arizona’s election integrity – mimicking the efforts of Donald Trump in 2020. She has evoked memories of January 6, telling fans in a recent speech to “burn it [Arizona’s government] down.”

Lake said she will appeal the ruling on Twitter.

“This Judge did not rule in our favor. However, for the sake of restoring faith and honesty in our elections, I will appeal his ruling.”

Article by Ben Shimkus