MI Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Republican Gov. Candidate: Report

MICHIGAN — The Michigan Court of Appeals denied a motion Thursday from an Oakland County lawyer seeking to keep Republican gubernatorial hopeful Ryan Kelley off the November ballot, according to reports.

The judge rejected the lawsuit, which was backed by the activist group Progress Michigan, arguing it was filed too close to the Aug. 2 primary.

Lee Estes, a retired attorney, argued Kelley violated the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution when he participated in the Capitol Riot. There is a clause in the amendment that says any individual who openly rebelled against the United States from holding public office.

Although the court rejected the compliant, the judge did not say whether Kelley participated in an insurrection or if he's qualified to serve as a candidate.

On June 9, Kelley was charged in connection to the Capital Riot with four misdemeanors after federal agents said he participated in the riot. Although he pleaded not guilty, he has not denied being at the Capitol during the riot.

A recent Detroit News/WDIV poll showed Kelley lost his lead to Republican hopeful Tudor Dixon.