FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News from Progress Michigan

July 14, 2022

Contact: Sam Inglot, sam@progressmichigan.org

Lawsuit Filed to Keep MAGA Insurrectionist Ryan Kelley Off the General Election Ballot

“He is a clear and present danger to democracy in Michigan,” the lawsuit states

MICHIGAN — A lawsuit has been filed with the Michigan Court of Appeals to prevent Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Kelley from being on the general election ballot due to his involvement in the January 6 insurrection at the United States Capitol. The suit is potentially the first 14th amendment complaint in the country where the defendant has been indicted for their role in the Jan 6 insurrection. 

While Progress Michigan is not the plaintiff in the suit, the organization assisted with research and financial support for the suit. The plaintiff in the suit, Lee Estes, is a registered voter seeking to ensure that only eligible candidates are listed on the general election ballot.

The lawsuit states, “This is an action to prevent Ryan Kelley from appearing on the November 8, 2022 general election ballot as a candidate for Governor because he has ‘engaged in insurrection’ in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment and therefore is ineligible to serve as a candidate for Governor for the State of Michigan. He is a clear and present danger to democracy in Michigan.”

“It’s simple, really. If you supported and participated in the January 6 insurrection, you should not have the privilege of holding – or even running – for public office,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “Whether it’s Ryan Kelley or anyone else that was illegally at the Capitol trying to overturn the will of the people, there needs to be accountability.”

Kelley is facing four federal criminal charges related to his activity during the January 6 insurrection, including knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building, disorderly and disruptive conduct, knowingly engaging in any act of physical violence against person or property in a restricted building or grounds and willfully injuring or committing depredation against property of the U.S.

A copy of the complaint can be found here.

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