The RICO case involving former President Donald Trump and 18 allies charged with election subversion faces a potential shift as Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, the pivotal decider in the case, encounters competition for his position. Civil rights attorney and talk radio host Robert Patillo has announced his candidacy to challenge McAfee, who was previously running unopposed. Patillo’s candidacy aims to solidify on Thursday, according to sources cited by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Patillo brings a diverse background to the race, with experience as a criminal defense attorney and former executive director of the social justice and civil rights organization associated with Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition. Additionally, he has run for statehouse positions, appeared as a pundit on cable TV news shows, and self-identifies as a conservative Democrat.
The news of Patillo’s candidacy has drawn attention, particularly from figures like Megyn Kelly, who expressed concern about the potential implications for Team Trump in Atlanta. With McAfee now facing competition, the dynamics of the case could be influenced, particularly given the district’s strong support for President Biden. McAfee may need to demonstrate a steadfast approach to uphold his position amid the new challenge from Patillo.
It seems Patillo isn’t shying away from the challenge, expressing a sense of confidence in response to Megyn Kelly’s observation. Meanwhile, McAfee is seeking election to a full, four-year term after being appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp in late 2022.
As the presiding judge over the RICO case prosecuted by District Attorney Fani Willis in Fulton County, Georgia, McAfee has been at the center of a high-profile legal battle. The case involves indictments against former President Trump and 18 associates on charges including violations of Georgia’s RICO statutes. Initially, all defendants entered not guilty pleas, but some, including Trump’s former attorneys Sidney Powell, Kenneth Chesebro, and Jenna Ellis, have since changed their pleas and been sentenced for their offenses.