By Kyle Davidson, Michigan Advance
September 9, 2025
The Michigan Republican electors for Donald Trump in 2020, who were accused of fraud and attempting to assist the Trump campaign in overturning the year’s election results, will not face trial, a Lansing district court judge ruled today.
The ruling from Lansing 54-A District Court Judge Kristen Simmons on Tuesday received praise from supporters of the 15 defendants, who rallied outside the courthouse in downtown Lansing on Tuesday, and troubled Attorney General Dana Nessel, who warned of a slippery slope for American democracy now that the charges were dismissed.
Simmons, in a decision from the bench, concluded there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prove that the 15 individuals, charged with a host of forgery and conspiracy crimes, had criminal intent when they allegedly signed documents certifying Michigan’s electoral votes for Trump.
That led Simmons to dismiss the charges and she did not order the cadre to be bound over for trial.
While the attorney general’s office retains the right to appeal Simmons’ decision, Nessel said her office is reviewing the matter and that they would be making that decision at a later time.
The defendants included Republican National Committeewoman Kathy Berden, former Michigan Republican Party co-chair Meshawn Maddock, Brighton resident Mary-Ann Henry, Hank Choate, Amy Facchinello, Clifford Frost, Stanley Grot, John Haggard, Timothy King, Michele Lundgren, Mayra Rodriguez, Rose Rook, Marian Sheridan, Kenneth Thompson and Kent Vanderwood.
While a 16th individual, James Renner, initially faced eight felony charges, Renner reached a cooperation agreement with the attorney general’s office, which led to the charges being dropped. He later served as a key witness for state prosecutors.
Simmons recounted Renner’s testimony, when he told the court the group did not intend to commit fraud or forgery during the Dec. 14, 2020, meeting in the basement of the Michigan Republican Party headquarters where they signed the documents.
“Renner testified that they were told that this was an appropriate process, by the leaders and attorneys that were present at the meeting,” Simmons told the courtroom, noting additional testimony where Renner said he would not have attended the meeting if he believed a crime was being committed.
While the attorney general’s office called several witnesses, Simmons said their testimony largely aligned with Renner’s later on, noting that reliance on advice from attorneys tends to refute the government’s ability to prove intent.
Following Simmons’ decision, John Freeman, who represented Sheridan, told reporters that Simmons’ decision was in line with what the defense had been arguing since the beginning of the case.
Sheridan said she was overwhelmingly happy with the judge’s decision, but that she was frustrated the charges had gone this far.
“This should have never happened. This was clearly malicious prosecution,” Sheridan said.
Choate offered similar sentiments, telling reporters that as a dairy farmer, he never expected to be sitting in a courtroom facing criminal charges.
“We stood solid, demonstrated courage,” Choate said. “We felt and knew in our hearts that we were right in what we wanted to do, and no way were we going to bow down to political persecution or political intimidation.”
Michigan Republican Party Chair Jim Runestad also cheered Simmons’ decision while accusing Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel – a Democrat who has been a fierce opponent of President Donald Trump, leading or joining more than 30 cases against his administration – of weaponizing her office against her political opponents.
“Today, Judge Kristen Simmons restored the public’s faith in our justice system. All 2020 Trump Electors have officially been vindicated,” Runestad said in a statement.
Nessel warns of ruling’s potential damage to American democracy
Nessel spoke with reporters in a virtual news conference following the ruling. Although Simmons emphasized the complexity of the case, as demonstrated by the lengthy preliminary examination and the amount of evidence reviewed, Nessel argued the case is quite simple.
“The evidence was clear. They lied,” Nessel asked. “They knew they lied, and they tried to steal the votes of millions of Michiganders. And if they can get away with this, well, what can’t they get away with next?”
She shared further concerns about the bearing this case would have on upcoming elections and American Democracy as a whole. Nessel also raised concerns about fear of retaliation and intimidation of judges handling cases concerning the president.
“This is the most dangerous slippery slope that exists for American democracy: When the courts determine that violations of election law should not even be heard by a jury; when state legislators and governors across America make it easier for Trump to cheat; when the Supreme Court hands the president a blank check to violate any law, commit any crime without penalty or consequence,” Nessel said.
As the state moves into another election year, Nessel said she is worried that the damage to the American election system has already been done.
“I am terrified for the 2026 elections, and not because I’m worried somebody I support will lose,” Nessel said. “I’m worried that President Trump and his aiders and abettors and followers have already ensured that no future American election will ever really be fair or free.”
Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jon King for questions: info@michiganadvance.com.
