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Fulton election case update
The Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia named Pete (Peter J.) Skandalakis to take over the Fulton County election-interference prosecution targeting former President Donald J. Trump and multiple co-defendants after District Attorney Fani Willis was disqualified.
“Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, has been appointed to lead the Fulton County election-interference case against former President Donald Trump and co-defendants. He was assigned after multiple candidates declined and after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was disqualified over an “appearance of impropriety” related to a disclosed romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired, which defense attorneys said created a conflict of interest.”
Multiple outlets report Skandalakis is the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia and a former Coweta Judicial Circuit/Coweta County district attorney.
He stepped in after other prosecutors declined the assignment and after Willis's removal for an appearance of impropriety.
The case traces to a sweeping racketeering indictment filed in August 2023 that accuses Trump and allies of efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
Why Willis Was Removed
Willis's removal is widely attributed to an appellate ruling that found an appearance of impropriety stemming from a disclosed romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade.
Several outlets noted that her appeal to the state Supreme Court was declined.
Defense attorneys argued the relationship created a conflict of interest, prompting the Georgia Court of Appeals to oust Willis and block her from continuing in the prosecution.
Prosecution materials review
Skandalakis has taken possession of the prosecution materials and begun a thorough review before deciding how to proceed.
“He has taken possession of the prosecution’s materials — reportedly “more than 100 banker‑boxes” of documents and an 8‑terabyte data set — and has begun a full review of the sprawling case against Donald J. Trump and numerous co‑defendants, saying his assessment is ongoing.”
Multiple outlets note the volume turned over by Willis's office — described as "more than 100 banker-boxes," "101 boxes," and an "8-terabyte data set/hard drive" — and report that Skandalakis is still reviewing the materials as he assesses the sprawling case.
Legal reactions and outlook
Observers and legal experts quoted in coverage offer differing takes on what comes next.
Some emphasize the procedural necessity of appointing a prosecutor to avoid dismissal and preserve the case.
Other commentators and defense attorneys frame the prosecution as politically motivated and call for its end.
Coverage also notes practical constraints, with several outlets saying meaningful action against Trump is unlikely while he remains in office.
Reports underline that state charges for 14 co-defendants remain distinct from any presidential pardons.