Ally of Trump seeks GOP nomination for Michigan Supreme Court

LANSING, Mich. — Matthew DePerno, an attorney and ally of former President Donald Trump, is pursuing the Republican nomination for a seat on the Michigan Supreme Court, despite facing felony charges related to alleged illegal access and tampering with voting machines. DePerno announced his candidacy in June, nearly a year after being charged. The Michigan GOP will hold a convention on August 24 to select nominees for two Supreme Court seats, crucial in a state where the court plays a significant role in election matters. DePerno gained notoriety for promoting unfounded claims that the 2020 election was stolen. He previously ran unsuccessfully for Michigan attorney general in 2022 and lost a bid for the GOP state party chair in 2023. Investigations revealed that voting tabulators were compromised, leading to charges of undue possession of a voting machine and conspiracy against him. His case has yet to go to trial, and he maintains his innocence. Currently, DePerno is vying for a partial-term seat held by Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, who was appointed by Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Bolden is also seeking the Democratic nomination and has significantly outpaced DePerno in fundraising, raising over $1.1 million compared to his $136. Despite this, DePerno is focusing on garnering delegate support and believes he can out-fundraise Bolden if he secures the nomination. As the political landscape shifts, the Michigan Supreme Court races have gained heightened importance, particularly following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which has implications for state-level abortion policies.