Arizona Trial for Trump Allies Set for January 2026

A hearing in Maricopa County Superior Court is evaluating motions to dismiss charges against 18 defendants, including prominent Trump allies, accused of attempting to undermine the 2020 election results in Arizona. The defendants argue that the prosecution, spearheaded by Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes, is politically motivated and violates their First Amendment rights, invoking Arizona’s expanded anti-SLAPP law. Prosecutors counter that signing fraudulent documents to influence election outcomes is not protected speech and that the grand jury indictment was based on a thorough investigation independent of political bias. Judge Bruce Cohen is considering these arguments and will rule separately on each motion. The trial, set for January 2026, could involve up to 80 witnesses and last three months. AG Mayes insists the indictments are grounded in law and facts, rejecting claims of political retribution.