Raul Bally

Lawyers for Fulton County had argued the ballots and records should be returned because they were taken improperly and unconstitutionally.

While the judge said the federal seizure was, quote, certainly not perfect, he ruled the lawyers for the county had not proven the county's rights were callously disregarded.

Fulton County Commission Chair Rob Pitts says he's not surprised by the ruling.

Separately, the federal government is seeking the names and personal information of thousands of 2020 Fulton County election workers and volunteers.

For NPR News, I'm Raul Bally in Atlanta.

Fulton County Commission Chair Rob Pitt says the targeting of the county is about President Donald Trump not accepting his 2020 loss in Georgia and claims it was stolen specifically in the county.

Fulton County leaders are also worried the raid will be used as a pretext for the Republican-led state election board taking over the county election board ahead of the 2026 midterms.

For NPR News, I'm Raul Bally in Atlanta.

In a social media post, Kemp says he told President Donald Trump and U.S. Senate leadership of his decision and that he would work to find a Republican nominee who could win in Georgia next year. State and national Republicans believe Kemp would be the best candidate to challenge John Ossoff, the only incumbent Democratic U.S. senator running next year in a state Trump won in 2024.

In a social media post, Kemp says he told President Donald Trump and U.S. Senate leadership of his decision and that he would work to find a Republican nominee who could win in Georgia next year. State and national Republicans believe Kemp would be the best candidate to challenge John Ossoff, the only incumbent Democratic U.S. senator running next year in a state Trump won in 2024.

Kemp defeated popular Democratic figure Stacey Abrams twice for governor, along with defeating a Trump-backed Republican challenger in 2022. Possible options for Kemp include running for Georgia's other U.S. Senate seat or for president in 2028. For NPR News, I'm Raul Bally in Atlanta. You're listening to NPR.

Kemp defeated popular Democratic figure Stacey Abrams twice for governor, along with defeating a Trump-backed Republican challenger in 2022. Possible options for Kemp include running for Georgia's other U.S. Senate seat or for president in 2028. For NPR News, I'm Raul Bally in Atlanta. You're listening to NPR.