Minnesota Supreme Court Allows Trump on 2024 Primary Ballot

The Minnesota Supreme Court rejected attempts to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the 2024 presidential primary ballots in the state, citing the absence of a state statute prohibiting major political parties from nominating a candidate ineligible to hold office.

Chief Justice Natalie Hudson emphasized the urgency of the decision to ensure an orderly election process, stating, “There is no state statute that prohibits a major political party from placing on the presidential nomination primary ballot, or sending delegates to the national convention supporting a candidate who is ineligible to hold office.”

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The lawsuit, brought by Minnesota voters and watchdog groups, argued that Trump should be barred from the primary ballot based on a Civil War-era constitutional amendment.

The amendment prevents candidates from holding federal office if they “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” or “gave aid or comfort to the enemies.” The plaintiffs contended that Trump’s remarks could have incited the Capitol storming on January 6, 2021.

In a four-page order, Chief Justice Hudson left the door ajar for a potential future challenge, stating, “Although the Secretary of State and other election officials administer the mechanics of the election, this is an internal party election to serve internal party purposes, and winning the presidential nomination primary does not place the person on the general election ballot.”

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung applauded the ruling, denouncing the challenges as improper election interference.

Cheung asserted, “These are sham groups doing the bidding of the Biden campaign, and their ballot challenges should be summarily thrown out wherever they next arise.”

While the court’s decision provided clarity for the upcoming primary, it acknowledged the possibility of revisiting the matter if a future lawsuit challenges Trump’s general election status as the Republican nominee.

Legal scholars speculate that this case, or similar ones across the country, could prompt the U.S. Supreme Court to examine the rarely-used post-Civil War era provision.

Reacting to the ruling, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon expressed gratitude for the swift action.

“The court has made it clear that former President Trump’s name will appear on the primary ballot, should the Republican party choose to submit him as a candidate,” Simon said. “We respect this decision and will uphold the outcome.” He added.

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The liberal group Free Speech For People, which initiated the lawsuit, expressed disappointment but sees potential for future action.

Legal director Ron Fein said, “The Minnesota Supreme Court explicitly recognized that the question of Donald Trump’s disqualification for engaging in insurrection against the U.S. Constitution may be resolved at a later stage.”

Trump, taking to his social media platform Truth Social, called the lawsuit “ridiculous” and congratulated those who fought against it. “Congratulations to all who fought this HOAX!” he exclaimed.