Mayes Seeks DOJ’s Trump Election Interference File to Prosecute AZ Fake Electors

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has renewed her request to the U.S. Department of Justice for access to material from Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation related to Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. In her letter, sent this past Sunday, Mayes emphasized that the DOJ’s findings would significantly aid her office’s prosecution of 18 individuals indicted for their roles in Arizona’s “fake elector” scheme.

This appeal follows Smith’s recent submission of his investigative report, after which he resigned from the DOJ. The timing has raised questions, especially since the DOJ had previously dropped its case against Trump concerning alleged election interference following his November victory.

In April, a grand jury in Arizona indicted 18 people connected to efforts aimed at displacing the results of the presidential election. Joe Biden won Arizona by a narrow margin of about 10,000 votes, leaving a contentious political landscape in its wake.

Notably, Mayes had previously sought the DOJ’s files but was met with a response indicating that Smith was not prepared to share them at the time. Now, with the DOJ’s case against Trump inactive, Mayes is pushing for disclosure, arguing for transparency in a matter that she considers crucial for justice.

The list of individuals indicted includes Arizona’s 11 fake electors, who were allegedly misled by Trump’s campaign into signing documents falsely asserting that he won the election. Among them are notable political figures like Kelli Ward, a former AZGOP chairman, and Arizona Senators Jake Hoffman and Anthony Kern.

In her letter, Mayes stressed the importance of the evidence that Smith’s office might hold, stating, “I am requesting you disclose to my office (Smith’s) entire file, including the final report in the Election Case.” She believes that such information could help ensure accountability while also allowing for the possibility of exoneration for those wrongfully accused.

The former members of Trump’s campaign and administration also find themselves in the indictment mix. Key figures such as Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows, and Jenna Ellis face serious allegations related to attempts to propagate false claims of election fraud, both in Arizona and across the nation.

In a related note, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge recently granted a request from Meadows, indicating that he requires documentation from Smith’s case against Trump for his defense. This adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate legal battle.