Arizona's 'fake electors' criminal case gets trial date — for 2026

A judge in Arizona has set a criminal trial date for January 2026 for allies of former President Donald Trump who were accused of trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

The case involves several defendants including conservative attorney John Eastman and Republicans who served as "fake electors." CNN reported Eastman and others appeared in court Monday for a hearing. Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani joined the hearing virtually, according to CNN.

Superior Court Judge Bruce Cohen said he wanted to set a trial date that allowed the defense to review evidence and interview about 80 witnesses that prosecutors plan to call.

ALSO READ: Trump is losing his audienceThe news comes after Jenna Ellis, a former attorney for Trump, agreed to cooperate in the case.

"The State has agreed to drop the charges against Ms. Ellis in exchange for her cooperation with the prosecution," Attorney General Kris Mayes' office said in a statement earlier this month.

"This agreement represents a significant step forward in our case," Mayes said. "I am grateful to Ms. Ellis for her cooperation with our investigation and prosecution. Her insights are invaluable and will greatly aid the State in proving its case in court. As I stated when the initial charges were announced, I will not allow American democracy to be undermined - it is far too important. Today's announcement is a win for the rule of law."