“There is no denying that Donald Trump has engaged in behavior that is unacceptable and unbecoming of any leader — let alone a President of the United States.”
California Democrats are reportedly urging fellow party member and state Attorney General Rob Bonta to disqualify 2024 GOP frontrunner Donald Trump from the ballot in the state using the 14th Amendment, as well as Bonta’s status as top law enforcement official in the state.
California, like other states, would argue that Trump is ineligible to appear on the state’s ballot because the 14th Amendment prohibits public officials who participated in an insurrection from holding office. Trump has not been charged with insurretion in any of the 4 indictments he is facing.
Nine lawmakers wrote a letter to Bonta over the weekend, arguing that Trump isn’t eligible to be on the Republican primary ballot in 2024 over the events of January 6, 2021, according to Politico.
Bonta could reportedly use his standing in the state to expedite a state court ruling on the issue, which, if successful, could mean the state is the first to remove Trump from its ballot, even if the ruling is overturned.
"We all watched in horror Mr. Trump’s insurrection against the United States when he ordered a mob of his supporters to the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021 to intimidate Vice President Pence and the United States Congress," the letter from the lawmakers states, which was obtained by Politico.
Bonta’s office said he is reviewing the request from the lawmakers.
A spokesperson from his office said, "There is no denying that Donald Trump has engaged in behavior that is unacceptable and unbecoming of any leader — let alone a President of the United States."
Bonta has the ability as attorney general to ask a court for declaratory relief, in which a judge can quickly rule on an unresolved legal question.
In the letter, the lawmakers requested "immediate intervention" from Bonta on the issue.
Bonta, if he takes up the Dems’ call to action, would be the first state attorney general moving to remove Trump from the ballot. In other states, the secretary of state is relied upon for the action.
One lawsuit brought forth by a voter in California has called upon Secretary of State Shirley Weber to remove Trump from the ballot.
Weber’s office told Politico they are "carefully reviewing this issue" after receiving a number of requests to remove Trump from the ballot.
Trump is facing attempts in other states to remove him under the 14th Amendment, including Colorado. A Florida judge has rejected such a case.
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