In a significant development, Arizona investigators probing Republicans’ efforts to overturn the state’s 2020 election results have issued subpoenas to two members of Congress closely aligned with former President Donald Trump: Reps. Andy Biggs and Paul Gosar.
Wider Scope of Investigation
The subpoenas, previously unreported, demand that Biggs and Gosar testify before a grand jury. While there’s no indication of pending criminal charges against the lawmakers, the move underscores the broadening scope of Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes’ investigation.
Aggressive Moves and Implications
Mayes’ recent aggressive actions include compelling Arizona Republicans who falsely claimed to be presidential electors to assert their Fifth Amendment rights before the grand jury. This signals a potential shift toward indictments in the case, making Mayes the fourth prosecutor to pursue criminal charges over Trump’s efforts to submit fake electors in states won by Joe Biden.
Involvement of Biggs and Gosar
Biggs and Gosar were prominent proponents of Trump’s endeavors to overturn Biden’s victory in Arizona. They attempted to challenge the state’s presidential electors on Jan. 6, 2021, during Congress’ certification of the Electoral College results. Text messages also revealed Biggs’ advocacy for state legislatures to override Biden’s wins and his coordination with Trump’s White House.
Rare Subpoenas to Congressmen
Subpoenas to members of Congress in criminal investigations are rare due to constitutional protections, but Biggs and Gosar are not the first to face scrutiny. Rep. Scott Perry’s phone was seized in 2022, and prosecutors obtained access to his emails related to election strategy. Similarly, Georgia prosecutors sought testimony from Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. Jody Hice.
Opaque Details and Legal Challenges
The details of Mayes’ probe have been elusive, partly due to Arizona’s strict secrecy laws regarding grand jury subpoenas. Legal experts highlight the rarity of such subpoenas and the challenges in challenging the secrecy laws.
Conclusion and Future Developments
As the investigation unfolds, attention will be on whether Mayes pursues indictments and how Biggs and Gosar respond to the subpoenas. The broader implications of the probe on Trump’s election-subversion efforts remain to be seen.
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