Trump’s appeal hearing against Fani Willis set for October, likely pushing trial beyond election

The Georgia Court of Appeals has tentatively scheduled oral arguments on Donald Trump’s appeal of Fani Willis’ disqualification ruling for October, making it almost certain that Trump will not go to trial in the Georgia election case until after the 2024 elections.

The date for oral arguments on that issue is tentatively set for Oct. 4, according to a notice that was sent to the defense attorney in the case.

“A schedule will be sent to attorneys of record confirming the exact date of oral argument,” the notice states.

Trump and his co-defendants are appealing the decision that allowed DA Willis to stay on the case after it was discovered she was romantically involved with prosecutor Nathan Wade. He resigned from the case following the decision.

The judge in the case, Scott McAfee, previously vowed to move the case forward while the issue was under appeal.

Chris Timmons, an ABC News contributor and former prosecutor, said that means it’s almost certain Trump won’t face trial until after the 2024 election.

Trump and 18 others pleaded not guilty last August to all charges against him in a sweeping racketeering indictment for alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the State of Georgia. Defendants Kenneth Chesebro, Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis, and Scott Hall subsequently entered into plea deals in exchange for their consent to testify against other defendants.

The former president blasted the prosecutor’s investigation, calling it politically motivated.