U.S. district court judge dismisses lawsuit vs. Trump

On Jan. 12, the U.S. District Court Judge for the District of New Mexico, Matthew L. Garcia, dismissed the lawsuit filed by John Anthony Castro, a controversial and little-known presidential candidate, against former president Donald Trump in an attempt to disqualify him from running for office in New Mexico.

Castro has filed lawsuits in multiple states besides New Mexico, arguing that Trump should not be allowed to run for another term as president. The basis of the lawsuit is Castro asserts the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution implies that a political candidate can legally challenge the constitutional eligibility of another candidate to hold office if they have provided “aid or comfort” to an insurrection. Trump has never been convicted of insurrection by a jury.

Garcia sided with previous district courts across the country who have — without exception — dismissed nearly identical suits filed by Castro, stating, “this Court can discern no basis to depart with the reasoning and holdings in these other opinions.”

Garcia concluded his memorandum opinion and order by writing that the case filed by Castro “is dismissed without prejudice for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.”

“We’re pleased this attempt to disenfranchise New Mexico voters will not stand,” said Steve Pearce, Republican Party of New Mexico chairman.