In the midst of a high-stakes election interference case against former President Donald Trump, Judge Scott McAfee of Fulton Superior Court finds himself in a unique predicament.
As the presiding judge, he is tasked with overseeing a complex racketeering prosecution involving 15 defendants, but he is also running for election to retain his seat on the bench.
This dual role has created a fascinating dynamic, with Judge McAfee attending over 30 campaign-related events in recent weeks, including fund-raisers, candidate forums, and church services.
Despite his busy campaign schedule, Judge McAfee remains committed to his duties on the bench, acknowledging that campaigning is “delaying every aspect” of his job. However, he recognizes the importance of winning the election to maintain control over the Trump case, which could potentially secure his place in history.
Dual Roles Collide: Judge in Trump Georgia Case Runs for Re-ElectionHis opponent, Robert Patillo II, a civil rights lawyer and radio show host, has been campaigning hard, and the race has taken on a political dimension, with some questioning Judge McAfee’s ruling allowing District Attorney Fani Willis to remain on the case despite allegations of a conflict of interest.
The case itself is fraught with complexity, with dozens of pretrial motions still unresolved and the United States Supreme Court and Georgia Court of Appeals set to weigh in on key legal questions.
The trial, which is expected to take place next year, could be impacted by Trump’s presidential campaign and the question of whether a sitting president can be tried in state court. In this uncertainty, Judge McAfee remains focused on his duties, acknowledging the weight of responsibility and the need to “get back to work” if re-elected.