Marc Elias, a well-known Democratic election attorney. He’s arguably become the most important player in the grassroots fight for electoral integrity in these United States. Retirement announcement Elias is well-known for his acute legal acumen. He’s defended prominent Democrats such as Hilary Clinton and Kamala Harris, in addition to representing the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Though Elias resigned from his position with the DNC in 2023, he remains an influential figure in election law. He has earned a reputation for his aggressive, dogged pursuit to undo what he refers to as the “vindictive acts” of the Trump administration against political adversaries.
Over the course of Elias’ remarkable career, he has played crucial roles in several historic political achievements, including… Specifically, he was instrumental in the creation of the Steele dossier. This explosive document did the trick, igniting a series of volatile political conversations. He was counsel during the contested 2008 Minnesota Senate race. This election would go on to establish the American record for the longest recount in history. His extensive experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of election law, allowing him to win 64 of 65 cases related to Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
In fact, since taking office, Elias has been subject to incredible pushback after pushback from this Trump administration, which has attacked him on several occasions. He was even given direct credit in a now-famous presidential memo. This memo directed the attorney general to seek disciplinary action against attorneys who violated ethical norms. The scrutiny has placed Elias under an intense microscope. In doing so, he has borne the brunt of antisemitic commentary and threats to his safety which have compelled him to take significant security precautions.
In discussing these challenges, Elias stated, “Every day we wake up and we see another vindictive act by this administration against its political opponents, whether they be in elective office or be in the private sector.” His statements are an indication of a deeper fear amongst many Democrats lamenting the state of politics in the age of Trump’s toxicity.
Elias is clear that anyone who wants to beat Trump needs to be aware of the risks at play. “I think anyone who uses their voice to speak up against Donald Trump needs to be realistic about the nature of this administration and the threats it poses,” he remarked. This mindset is a reflection of the larger belief that fear is the appropriate response to Trump’s divide-and-conquer strategy. He continued, “Look I think anyone who tells you they’re not scared is a psychopath or a liar. Of course, you’re afraid.”
The attorney’s resolve to continue protecting democracy remains just as steadfast. Elias insists that this moment in American history is critical, stating, “We are in the break-glass moment of American history when it comes to free and fair elections and democracy.” He expresses no hesitation in pursuing litigation that can protect election integrity, adding, “As long as there is a legal fight to be had, we are going to have it.”
Elias’s firm has been carefully structured to insulate itself from pressures created by Trump-related intimidation tactics. It merely reflects Democratic campaigns or causes that are tied to Democratic electoral politics. He attributes the reluctance to Trump’s broad and chilling effect, which has made a lot of law firms too skittish to take on politically sensitive cases. “He has actually intimidated a lot of law firms, I think, from taking on causes that they otherwise would have taken on,” Elias said.
The attorney recognizes that Trump’s rhetoric not only incites social media backlash but mobilizes individuals in positions of power who can affect real change. “It’s a very different thing when he is not just unleashing the hordes of hate on social media… but is talking to people who are in positions of power to actually do something about his obsessions,” he added. Together, this highlights the radical danger posed by Trump’s presidency and radicalizes the production of lawyers and political space left to operate within.
Critics of Elias have painted his efforts as hyper-partisan, politically motivated attacks. Critics Davis Ingle personifies this criticism, accusing Elias of being “a crooked hack.” He’s been investigating radicals, and he accused Elias of putting out made up narratives that hurt Trump. Such comments reflect the deep polarization within American politics and highlight challenges faced by those like Elias who are entrenched in election law.
Elias is a tireless advocate for robust legal protections to secure elections. He knows for sure that these protections are needed more than ever in today’s climate. “What are you saving these laws for, if it is not for this moment?” he questioned, emphasizing the urgency of addressing contemporary issues within electoral processes.
As he sails through these choppy waters, we’re all lucky to have Elias still fighting the good fight. “I think he thought, if I can prevent Big Law from being that role, that’ll make it easier for me to run roughshod over people’s rights. And he’s not wrong about that,” he noted about the broader implications of Trump’s strategies.