DOJ requests recusal of Georgia election case judge over misconduct scandal

Published May 30, 2026 2:01pm ET



The Department of Justice has asked an Obama-appointed federal judge, embroiled in judicial misconduct, to recuse herself from its election records lawsuit against Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

The request for recusal on Friday pertains to U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross and her alleged improper appearance at an event honoring Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who once prosecuted President Donald Trump for alleged interference in the 2020 election. While the court did not publicly announce which judge appeared at Fani Willis’ rally in its initial report, the DOJ believes the judge is Ross based on news reports.

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