The Unfolding Drama of Arizona’s “Fake Electors” Case

The latest development in Arizona’s “fake electors” case sets the trial date for no sooner than Jan. 5, 2026. This comes six years after an organized attempt by Donald Trump’s Republican allies to invalidate Democrat Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Bruce Cohen fixed the trial date during a lengthy court hearing that brought together the 16 remaining defendants in the case either in person or virtually.

The hearing is scheduled to resume at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

There is a possibility that Attorney General Kris Mayes won’t oversee the prosecution should it extend past the final year of her term in 2026, raising questions about the future of the case.

The Background

The investigation into the “fake electors” scheme started late, with Mayes initiating the probe shortly after taking office in 2023. Her predecessor, Republican Mark Brnovich, had declined to investigate the matter during his final two years in office.

The case involves 16 defendants, including former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, each facing nine felony counts of fraud, forgery, and conspiracy.

Several key figures in the case, including former Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis and elector Loraine Pellegrino, have reached plea deals or hearings to move their cases.

Arizona is one of five states where criminal charges have been filed against Trump electors.

The court also heard arguments on motions to dismiss the charges and requests for protecting the identities of the grand jurors.

The drama in the courtroom included a rebuke from Judge Cohen to Giuliani’s attorney for suggesting the prosecution was politically motivated.

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