After gubernatorial GOP candidate Kari Lake filed a lawsuit challenging the outcome of the Arizona election, a judge called for an emergency hearing Tuesday morning that resulted in the case moving forward.
The Tuesday hearing was set on an accelerated basis by Judge Peter Thompson because of its relevance to the election. While Lake appeared in the virtual hearing with representatives, Hobbs and other Maricopa County officials did not attend the meeting but rather had representatives in their place.
The judge determined more evidence necessary, and set an evidentiary hearing in Lake v. Hobbs – and several other Maricopa County officials – for Dec. 21 and 22. This means both sides will be expected to provide evidence under oath.
Hobbs' side will attempt to dismiss the entire case, which requires another hearing set for Monday. If the judge does not grant the motion to dismiss, then the evidentiary hearing will proceed as scheduled next Wednesday and Thursday.
"Today’s hearing regarding my lawsuit was telling. The Judge noted the volume of evidence my team compiled. The defendants’ team seemed desperate to sweep it under the rug," Lake said. "I am thankful to Judge Peter Thompson and his team for the work they do and we are confident that given the opportunity, we will expose this election for the sham it was."
In Lake's filed election complaint filled with evidence, she asserts that due to "intentional" election-day anomalies, voters were disenfranchised and suppressed. She calls for a forensic audit of the printer issues and an inspection of ballot and voter registration records.
"Our sacred vote was trampled on. Every Arizonan should be furious, regardless of Party. Despite the desperate lies by the Fake News, my team has filed one of the strongest Election Lawsuits in history," Lake said in a statement.
