AZ Supreme Court Deals Final Blow to Kari Lake’s 2022 Election Challenge

The Arizona Supreme Court has concluded its consideration of Kari Lake’s efforts to overturn the outcome of the 2022 gubernatorial election. This decision marks the end of a contentious two-year legal battle.

On November 6, just after the recent elections, the court rejected Lake’s final appeal without public commentary. Lake, who campaigned as the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, has not conceded her previous loss to Democrat Katie Hobbs in the gubernatorial race, which she lost by over 17,000 votes.

Lake has gained notoriety for promoting the unfounded claim that the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump, who backed her during her campaigns in 2022 and 2024. Her legal team consistently argued that the 2022 election was “irredeemably flawed,” asserting that without intervention, future elections remain jeopardized.

However, many of Lake’s final claims echoed arguments made in earlier court cases, lacking new legal interpretations from earlier trials. Maricopa County attorney Tom Liddy criticized Lake’s appeal, stating it merely reiterated her prior assertions rather than providing substantial legal grounds for consideration.

Lake’s attorneys alleged insufficient signature verification on early and mail-in ballots, claiming that the county failed to conduct required logic and accuracy tests on its ballot tabulators. Yet, the precedent they relied upon necessitated proving complete negligence regarding signature verification — a challenge made more difficult by testimony from Lake’s own witnesses confirming that signature reviews occurred.

Liddy highlighted that contrary to Lake’s claims, evidence in the court record included certificates from election observers verifying the logic and accuracy testing process. Lake’s further allegations surrounding unannounced testing of the tabulators were dismissed by Liddy, noting they pertained to routine procedures involving memory card installations.

Legal expert and Lake critic Tom Ryan remarked on the finality of the Supreme Court’s decision, equating the outcome to being “dead” in humorous cultural references. Lake’s initial challenge commenced in December 2022 at the Maricopa County Superior Court, where she subsequently lost and sought further appeals.

Lake’s persistent litigation has drawn scrutiny not only towards her but also her legal representatives, who faced disciplinary measures for misrepresentations. In 2023, attorneys Bryan Blehm and Kurt Olsen received sanctions for advancing false claims related to ballot handling during election procedures. Blehm even faced a suspension for his lack of cooperation during hearings.

Currently, Lake is entangled in a defamation lawsuit stemming from allegations she made against Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, which she later conceded were false. Settlements regarding the damages owed will be addressed in an upcoming jury trial set for February.

As the legal battles fade, Lake’s attempts to reshape the narrative surrounding the 2022 elections face significant roadblocks, culminating in a definitive ruling from Arizona’s highest court.