In an unexpected move, Maine’s chief election official, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, has disqualified former President Donald Trump from the state’s 2024 primary ballot. The decision, based on the 14th Amendment’s “insurrectionist ban,” has been temporarily halted pending a potential state court appeal, which Trump’s team has indicated they plan to file.
This makes Maine the second state to disqualify Trump, following a similar ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court earlier this month. The development is seen as a significant win for Trump’s critics who, referencing the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, are seeking to enforce a constitutional provision designed to protect the nation from anti-democratic insurrectionists.
Bellows’ Decision
Bellows, a Democrat, issued the decision after an administrative hearing earlier this month regarding Trump’s eligibility for office. A bipartisan group of former state lawmakers had filed the challenge against Trump. In her decision, Bellows stated that she did not take this decision lightly, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of her ruling.
She further explained that she has a legal obligation to uphold the 14th Amendment’s insurrectionist ban and remove Trump from the primary ballot. Bellows stated that her duty under Maine’s election laws is to ensure that candidates on the primary ballot are qualified for the office they seek.
Trump’s Response
Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung accused Bellows of being a “virulent leftist” who has now “decided to interfere in the presidential election.” He claimed that Democrats in blue states are “recklessly and un-Constitutionally suspending the civil rights of the American voters” by attempting to remove Trump’s name from the ballot.
Decision Paused Pending Appeal
Bellows’ decision will be put on hold until Maine’s Superior Court makes a ruling. Maine’s laws mandate that the Superior Court must make a decision within 20 days from Thursday, or January 17. This means that the state courts will likely weigh in on Trump’s eligibility quickly, before ballots would be sent out to voters.
Maine Secretary of State on January 6 Insurrection
In her decision, Bellows stated that the evidence presented showed that the January 6 insurrection “occurred at the behest of” Trump and that the US Constitution “does not tolerate an assault on the foundations of our government.” She concluded that Trump “intended to incite lawless action” to stop the transfer of power.
She also rejected Trump’s defense that the vague provision of the 14th Amendment doesn’t apply to the presidency, concluding that the “history of Section Three firmly supports the idea that it covers the presidency.”
This story has been updated with additional reporting. Hannah Rabinowitz, Devan Cole, and Katelyn Polantz contributed to this report.