WASHINGTON—The U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous historic and righteous judgment today rebuked political activists in Colorado and other states seeking to disenfranchise millions of Americans by unconstitutionally attempting to remove former President Trump from the primary ballot. As the Court said, “the Constitution makes Congress, rather than the States, responsible for enforcing Section 3 against federal officeholders and candidates,” so state courts and state officials like secretaries of state have no power to remove a federal candidate from the ballot, whether the individual is running for president or Congress.

Heritage Foundation senior legal fellows Hans von Spakovsky and Charles Stimson released the following statement on the ruling:

“The Supreme Court justices brought order to what could have become a chaotic election season by shutting down this partisan, anti-democratic, and unconstitutional effort in Colorado. They found a 'combination' of constitutional grounds that 'resolves this case,' and that explains why the Colorado court got it wrong.

“Activist courts and partisan bureaucrats should not be able to take away American voters’ right to choose the president. This ruling, which came together with amazing speed for the Supreme Court, should serve as a stern warning that radicals cannot interfere in our election process and, as the justices say in the opinion, ‘nullify the votes of millions and change the election result.’”

As the nation’s largest, most broadly supported conservative research and educational institution, The Heritage Foundation has been leading the American conservative movement since our founding in 1973. The Heritage Foundation reaches more than 10 million members, advocates, and concerned Americans every day with information on critical issues facing America.

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