Federal Judge Steps Down From Amendment 4 Case Over 'Deeply Troubling' Hire

WFSU | By Shawn Mulcahy

Published July 17, 2019 at 6:02 PM EDT

Judge Mark Walker has recused himself from a major elections lawsuit after a defendant hired a law firm that employs Walker's wife.

Federal Judge Mark Walker has recused himself from a key elections lawsuit after a defendant on the case hired a law firm that employs Walker's wife.

Broward County Supervisor of Elections Pete Antonacci and Florida Secretary of State Laurel Lee brought on George Meros of law firm Holland and Knight, where Walker's wife is a partner.

In his order Wednesday, Walker said he finds the move "deeply troubling," and suggests it may have been done to force his recusal.

Appointed by Pres. Barack Obama, Walker has presided over a number of groundbreaking legal challenges, including signature matching cases in each of the last two elections.

Three of the remaining four judges on the court were appointed by Republicans, including two by Pres. Donald Trump.

The case has been reassigned to Judge Robert Hinkle – a Clinton appointee.