Michigan Charges 16 Republicans in Fake Elector Scandal: An Overview of the Individuals Involved
Michigan state prosecutors have taken legal action against 16 Republicans accused of posing as fake electors following the 2020 presidential election. This development is significant for ongoing investigations at both the federal and state levels into the aftermath of the election.
Among the fake electors were a mix of local activists, well-connected GOP operatives, and individuals associated with a frivolous lawsuit seeking to overturn the election results. Some were recruited under the belief that former President Donald Trump still had a chance at a second term, while others had established roles within the Republican Party.
All 16 individuals have pleaded not guilty to the charges they are facing. Some claim ignorance of potentially breaking the law by signing the fake certificates, while others continue to perpetuate the false narrative of a stolen election.
Here is a brief overview of some of the key individuals implicated in the fake elector scheme and their backgrounds:
– Meshawn Maddock: Former co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party
– Kathy Berden: Michigan representative on the Republican National Committee
– Marian Sheridan: Grassroots vice chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party, involved in a lawsuit to overturn the election
– Kent Vanderwood: Former chair of the 2nd District Republican Party and current mayor of Wyoming, Michigan
– Stanley Grot: Shelby Township clerk appointed in 2012
– Amy Facchinello: Elected member of the Grand Blanc school board, former vice chairwoman of Genesee County Republican Party, promoted QAnon-related material on social media
– Mari-Ann Henry: Treasurer of the 7th Congressional District Republican Committee, involved with the Greater Oakland Republican Club
– Michele Lundgren: 2022 Republican nominee for a Detroit-based seat in the Michigan House of Representatives, lost the election
– Clifford Frost: Realtor and unsuccessful candidate for the Macomb County Board of Commissioners in 2022, shared pro-Trump conspiracy theories on social media
– John Haggard: Plaintiff in a lawsuit to overturn the 2020 election results in Michigan, previously served as a legitimate Trump elector in 2016
– Timothy King: Plaintiff in a lawsuit to overturn the 2020 election results in Michigan
– Rose Rook: Member of the executive committee of the Van Buren County Republicans
– Mayra Rodriguez: Lawyer facing potential disciplinary proceedings regarding the fake elector scheme
– Hank Choate: Dairy farmer who met with Trump during a White House agriculture event in 2017
– Ken Thompson: Replaced an original GOP elector, testified in the House select committee investigation
– James Renner: Replaced an original GOP elector, retired police officer from Lansing
As investigations continue, these individuals will face legal consequences for their involvement in the fake elector scheme. Their actions contribute to the broader discussions surrounding the integrity of the electoral process.
