In a significant move, House Republicans have appointed at least two former Trump campaign officials involved in the 2020 fake electors scheme to key roles overseeing national elections. This development comes as the GOP-led Committee on House Administration prepares for its pivotal responsibilities in the upcoming 2024 election cycle.
The committee’s hires underscore a troubling overlap between the individuals associated with Trump’s efforts to contest the 2020 election and those now shaping election oversight on Capitol Hill. With Congress set to reconvene in November, these appointments may lay the groundwork for a concerted campaign to challenge election outcomes should the GOP face setbacks in the upcoming elections.
Among the new hires is Joshua Findlay, a former Trump campaign attorney who previously engaged in discussions about the fake elector strategy in Georgia. His role will involve advising GOP members on election law as they deploy election observers in key battleground states. Another notable hire is Thomas Lane, who acted as a backup fake elector in Arizona and will lead the committee’s investigation into election processes.
The committee has been actively collaborating with groups aligned with Trump, including the Republican National Committee and the Election Integrity Network, raising concerns about the potential for partisan manipulation in overseeing election integrity. A spokesperson for the committee stated that Chairman Bryan Steil is focused on strengthening election integrity and boosting public confidence.
These hirings come as the GOP seeks to amplify its messaging around alleged electoral fraud. Findlay, who communicated with Trump’s legal team regarding the fake elector strategy, has publicly acknowledged the lack of evidence supporting claims of widespread fraud in Georgia. His involvement in the committee signals a potential strategy to perpetuate disinformation about the electoral process.
As the January 6, 2025, certification of electoral votes approaches, the implications of these hires are profound. With Steil potentially leading this critical event, the panel’s influence over the electoral process is expected to be substantial. GOP sources suggest that the committee’s role will be crucial in guiding the narrative around the election results.
Additionally, Steil is intensifying the committee’s investigation into ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising platform, further entrenching partisan divisions within the committee. The focus on ActBlue has sparked questions about the motives behind the GOP’s election oversight efforts, with accusations of a one-sided approach to election integrity.
As the political landscape evolves, the House Administration Committee’s actions are poised to impact the integrity of the electoral process, raising alarm among critics who fear a repeat of the divisive tactics that characterized the aftermath of the 2020 election.
