Justice Department Seeks Recusal of Judge in Georgia Election Case

The U.S. Department of Justice has sought the recusal of a judge overseeing a case about Georgia election records. The judge, identified by media reports as U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross in Atlanta, attended an event that honored Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, raising concerns about her impartiality.

A federal judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit received a “private reprimand” following allegations of misconduct. These included having sexual relations with a high-ranking police officer in the courthouse and attending a partisan event. The judge initially denied these allegations. The investigation did not publicly name the judge, but media reports suggest it is Judge Ross.

Judge Ross, appointed by President Barack Obama and confirmed in 2014, previously served as a state court judge in DeKalb County and worked as a prosecutor. She currently oversees a case filed by the Justice Department against Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. The case involves obtaining voter lists, which Raffensperger argues Georgia law protects unless conditions are met. Ross scheduled a hearing, but the Justice Department requested a delay due to the recusal motion.

The private reprimand was issued by the Judicial Council of the 11th Circuit. A report attached to the order indicates the judge attended a partisan event, claiming to visit former colleagues. However, it was still considered part of a campaign event.

Fani Willis, who previously worked with Ross, investigated former President Donald Trump’s alleged interference in the 2020 Georgia election. Trump was indicted but the case was dismissed due to an “appearance of impropriety.”

The Justice Department argues Ross’s presence at Willis’ event suggests bias, compromising her ability to impartially handle a case involving election integrity. Their filing claims that any reasonable observer would perceive her attendance as an endorsement.

The Justice Department’s filing also references allegations about sexual misconduct in the judge’s chambers. The Atlanta Police Department is investigating whether the involved officer is from their department.