Key facts
- U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross recused herself from a Georgia election records case.
- The Justice Department sought Ross's removal, citing concerns about her impartiality.
- Ross attended a partisan event sponsored by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.
- Ross acknowledged that her attendance could lead an objective observer to perceive bias.
- The case will be reassigned to a new judge.
U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross has recused herself from a legal battle over Georgia election records, citing potential bias. The decision came after the U.S. Department of Justice requested her removal from the case, which involves a lawsuit seeking an unredacted statewide voter list.
The Justice Department's concern stemmed from Ross's attendance at a partisan event sponsored by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who had previously prosecuted Donald Trump. Ross acknowledged knowing Willis and having worked in the same district attorney's office years ago. She stated that she attended the event to reunite with former colleagues but acknowledged that her attendance could lead an objective observer to perceive her as supporting Willis's position.