Electoral College: The Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court’s dismissal of U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert’s (R-Tyler) challenge of the Electoral Count Act’s constitutionality. The three-judge panel agreed with U.S. District Judge Jeremy Kernodle that the plaintiffs – Gohmert and the slate of Arizona’s Republican “electors” – lack standing. “We need say no more,” said the court in a one-paragraph order.

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R) said he would object to congressional certification of the Electoral College vote. In a joint statement, Cruz, six sitting U.S. Senators and four incoming freshmen alleged “unprecedented allegations of voter fraud, violations and lax enforcement of election law, among other voting irregularities” as their rationale for voting to overturn the results of a lawfully held election. The statement argues that doubts about the election are “widespread” and lamented that the judiciary did not resolve “these claims.”

Elsewhere, Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton (R) is a confirmed attendee of a march on Wednesday beginning at the White House Ellipse. “All Patriots need to be present to stand with President Trump,” Paxton tweeted.

HD68 special: Tomorrow (Monday) is the deadline for candidates to file for the January 23 special election to fill the unexpired House term of Sen.-elect Drew Springer (R-Muenster). Cooke County Judge Jason Brinkley (R) filed yesterday (Thursday), joining Jacksboro financial planner John Berry, a former Jack County Commissioner, and Nocona boot manufacturer Craig Carter as official candidates. Jacksboro ISD trustee David Spiller (R) has previously announced his candidacy.

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