A high-stakes legal battle unfolds as Arizona's top prosecutor pursues crucial evidence in an ongoing election interference investigation.

According to The Hill, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has formally requested access to special counsel Jack Smith's investigative files from the discontinued Trump 2020 election subversion case, emphasizing its significance for her ongoing prosecution of several Trump allies.

Arizona's prosecution stands as one of the final remaining cases targeting national figures involved in alleged election interference.

The case, which names 16 defendants, including former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, focuses on efforts to overturn Arizona's 2020 presidential election results. While Trump isn't directly charged, he appears in court documents as "unindicted co-conspirator 1."

Justice Department Faces Critical Decision Over File Access

Mayes's letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland represents her second attempt to obtain these crucial materials. Her initial request was denied while Smith's prosecution remained active.

The Justice Department's current legal efforts center on releasing Smith's final report about Trump's attempts to subvert the 2020 election results. Garland maintains a cautious approach, withholding classified documents while charges persist against two Trump co-defendants.

The timeline for accessing these materials grows increasingly urgent. Mayes has established a firm deadline, stating she will consider her request denied if no response arrives by Tuesday's end of business hours. This development adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate legal proceeding scheduled for trial in January 2026.

Federal law provides a potential pathway for disclosure, as Mayes points out in her communication with Garland. The situation becomes more nuanced with Meadows's separate request to access Smith's findings, a motion Mayes's office hasn't opposed.

Legal Complexities Emerge As Court Battles Continue

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon's initial blocking of the report's release, followed by an appeals court's rejection of the defendants' bid, has created a complex legal scenario.

The appeals court's silence regarding Cannon's three-day waiting period has opened additional avenues for legal challenges. These potential proceedings could extend well into Trump's anticipated inauguration period.

The case carries particular weight in Arizona due to the state's statute of limitations on most felony offenses. With a seven-year window, prosecutors could potentially bring charges against Trump during his final year in office. This timing creates a unique situation where few mechanisms would exist to prevent such prosecution.

The investigation specifically targets individuals who submitted false documentation to Congress declaring Trump the winner of Arizona's 2020 presidential election. These actions form the core of the state's case against the defendants.

Arizona AG Emphasizes Accountability In Democracy Defense

Mayes wrote in her letter to Garland:

Today, my office has one of the only remaining cases that includes charges against national actors. I have held steadfast to prosecuting the grand jury's indictment because those who tried to subvert democracy in 2020 must be held accountable.

The attorney general further reinforced her position with another significant statement:

Undoubtedly, disclosing Special Counsel's file to my office will help ensure that those who should be held accountable are.

Final Steps In Pursuit of Justice

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes continues her determined pursuit of Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigative files, viewing them as crucial evidence in her office's prosecution of Trump allies accused of election interference.

The case, set for trial in January 2026, targets 16 defendants, including prominent figures Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani.

The outcome of Mayes's request could significantly impact the prosecution of individuals allegedly involved in submitting false election documents to Congress.

With Arizona's seven-year statute of limitations on most felony offenses, this case represents one of the final opportunities to address actions surrounding the 2020 election interference allegations.