Nevada Judge Dismisses Fake Electors Case Against Six Republicans

Clark County District Judge Mary Kay Holthus dismissed a yearslong criminal case against six Republicans accused of submitting a fraudulent certificate declaring Donald Trump the winner of Nevada's 2020 presidential election. The defendants, including Nevada Republican Party chair Michael McDonald and former Clark County Republican Party chair Jesse Law, faced charges of forgery and offering a false instrument for filing.

Judge Holthus ruled that the state provided insufficient evidence of fraudulent intent, noting that the defendants openly announced their actions rather than concealing them. The judge also found that prosecutors failed to disclose exculpatory evidence to the grand jury. While the defense characterized the submission of the certificate as political theater, prosecutors argued the documents were intended to be counted as legitimate electoral votes on January 6, 2021.

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford announced plans to appeal the ruling to the Nevada Supreme Court, stating his office will continue to hold the electors accountable. This dismissal mirrors similar legal outcomes in Arizona, Michigan, and Georgia, though a related fake electors case continues in Wisconsin.