A recent ruling by Fulton Superior Court Judge Shukura Ingram has allowed the Georgia state Senate to subpoena Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis in its investigation of her handling of the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump.
The subpoenas were issued by a Senate special committee probing allegations of misconduct. Willis is expected to ask the Georgia Supreme Court to review the decision, which mandates that she submit arguments by January 13 about the subpoenas’ potential overreach.
Willis’ legal team, led by former Gov. Roy Barnes, argues that the subpoenas are part of a political vendetta by Senate Republicans aimed at punishing her for prosecuting Trump. The investigation centers on Trump’s involvement in attempts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results.
In a related development, the Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that Willis should be disqualified from the case due to a perceived conflict of interest stemming from her sexual relationship with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor she hired.
Despite this, state Sen. Greg Dolezal has announced plans to reestablish the Senate Special Committee on Investigations in the upcoming General Assembly session, citing the ongoing need for legislative oversight.
The subpoenas sent to Willis in August demanded her testimony and documents related to the case. She refused, arguing they were unlawful and lacked a legitimate legislative purpose.
However, attorneys for the Senate committee argue that the investigation into Willis’ conduct may reveal shortcomings in Georgia’s laws governing the hiring and compensation of district attorneys.