The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled to bar former President Donald Trump from appearing on the state's ballots in the 2024 elections.
The decision, invoking the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, is tied to the Capitol riot that occurred on January 6, 2021.
The ruling, which was passed by a narrow 4-3 majority, is set to be stayed until January 4 due to anticipated appeals. The court's decision was not unanimous, with three justices dissenting.
"We do not reach these conclusions lightly," the majority of the court stated. "We are mindful of the magnitude and weight of the questions now before us. We are likewise mindful of our solemn duty to apply the law, without fear or favor, and without being swayed by public reaction to the decisions that the law mandates we reach."
In response to the ruling, Trump Campaign Spokesman Steven Cheung announced that an appeal would be filed on Tuesday night.
"Unsurprisingly, the all-Democrat appointed Colorado Supreme Court has ruled against President Trump, supporting a Soros-funded, left-wing groups scheme to interfere in an election on behalf of Crooked Joe Biden by removing President Trumps name from the ballot and eliminating the rights of Colorado voters to vote for the candidate of their choice," Cheung wrote in a statement.
He continued, "The Colorado Supreme Court issued a completely flawed decision tonight and we will swiftly file an appeal to the United States Supreme Court and a concurrent request for a stay of this deeply undemocratic decision. We have full confidence that the U.S. Supreme Court will quickly rule in our favor and finally put an end to these unAmerican lawsuits."
In a previous ruling, Colorado District Judge Sarah B. Wallace allowed Trump to remain on the ballot, but found that Trump "engaged in insurrection" for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold stated that she would "continue to follow court guidance on this important issue."
"The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump is barred from the Colorado ballot for inciting the January 6 insurrection and attempting to overturn the 2020 Presidential Election. This decision may be appealed," Griswold wrote.
The 14th Amendment, which was invoked in the ruling, states: "No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability."
There are currently disqualification lawsuits pending in 13 states, including Texas, Nevada, and Wisconsin, concerning Trump's appearance on the ballot.
In the 2020 elections, President Biden won Colorado by a margin of 13.5 points.
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