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DOJ Requests Recusal of Georgia Judge in Election Records Case

The Department of Justice on Friday sought the recusal of U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross from a pending election records case, citing concerns about judicial impartiality. The DOJ based its motion on media reports suggesting Ross attended a May 2024 victory celebration for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who previously prosecuted President Donald Trump on charges related to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 Georgia election results. The DOJ argued the judge's attendance at the event creates an appearance of bias. According to the DOJ, a judge who celebrated the election of a prosecutor known for pursuing a Republican president cannot fairly preside over cases concerning election integrity. The Eleventh Circuit's Judicial Council previously determined that a judge committed misconduct by attending the partisan political event. Ross has not publicly confirmed whether she is the judge referenced in the recusal motion.