In a Supreme Court decision, the legal argument that was successful for former President Donald Trump did not work in favor of Couy Griffin, a member of “Cowboys for Trump” who was removed from his position as a county commissioner in New Mexico due to his involvement in the events of Jan. 6. The case against Griffin cited the same constitutional provision that Trump successfully used to stay on the ballot in Colorado, but ultimately the Supreme Court ruled that states have the power to disqualify individuals from holding state office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.
Despite hoping that a victory for Trump would benefit his case, Griffin’s appeal was rejected by the Supreme Court without comment. A state judge had previously removed Griffin from his position as commissioner in Otero County, New Mexico, in September 2022 after determining that his actions on Jan. 6 made him ineligible to serve. Griffin had been convicted of illegally entering the Capitol grounds, although he was acquitted of disorderly conduct during the chaotic events involving Trump supporters trying to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s election win.
Enacted after the Civil War, Section 3 of the 14th Amendment prohibits individuals who previously swore to uphold the Constitution from holding certain government offices. Although rarely enforced, Griffin’s case highlights the potential consequences for individuals involved in events like Jan. 6 who hold public office. The Supreme Court’s decision clarified the limitations of the constitutional provision, ultimately leading to the resolution of Griffin’s case and his removal from office.
