Alaska prosecutors are gearing up for a second attempt to convict former legislator Gabrielle LeDoux on charges of election tampering. This comes after the first trial ended with a hung jury in late 2024, keeping the case alive in the courts.
In a hearing this week, Jenna Gruenstein, the Chief Assistant Attorney General, confirmed that the Alaska Department of Law would continue its pursuit of charges against LeDoux. The case stems from accusations that LeDoux, a former Republican representative from Kodiak and Anchorage, illegally encouraged individuals outside her district to vote in her district during the 2020 election.
A Long Road to Trial
LeDoux, who served in the Alaska House of Representatives from 2005 to 2009 and then again from 2013 to 2021, had faced multiple delays in her legal battle. Her case, which initially began in 2020, has seen repeated postponements, culminating in a trial in November 2024—more than four years after the charges were first filed.
During the trial, LeDoux faced five felony charges and seven misdemeanor charges, though some of the charges were dismissed early on. The allegations centered around her supposed involvement in encouraging voters who lived outside her district to cast ballots within it—an action considered illegal under Alaska’s election laws.
The Mistrial: A Setback for the State
Despite the lengthy and complex trial, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict. This deadlock led to a mistrial declaration by Judge Kevin Saxby, signaling a setback for the state’s case. While some jurors supported LeDoux’s innocence, others believed there was enough evidence to convict her on the charges.
The mistrial only prolongs the legal uncertainty surrounding LeDoux’s actions during the 2020 election cycle. While her legal team maintains her innocence, the state is determined to press forward with another trial.
The Role of Plea Deals
As the case moves forward, the state has relied on the testimony of two key witnesses who previously worked with LeDoux. Both individuals, including a former aide of LeDoux, accepted plea deals in exchange for their cooperation in the investigation and their willingness to testify against her.
These plea deals are seen as a critical element of the prosecution’s case. The testimonies of these individuals could provide valuable insight into the inner workings of the alleged election manipulation, though LeDoux’s defense team will likely challenge their credibility and motivations.
The Upcoming Legal Battle
As both sides prepare for the next round of legal proceedings, they are also gearing up for additional expert testimony. LeDoux’s defense attorney, Kevin Fitzgerald, revealed that they are planning to introduce new expert witnesses to bolster their case. However, the state has already filed a motion to block this testimony, arguing that it is irrelevant to the case at hand.
The legal conflict over these expert witnesses highlights the ongoing complexities of the trial. The two sides will engage in a series of written briefings to argue the merits of these expert opinions, with a decision expected before the start of the second trial.
A Date Set for the Next Hearing
Judge Saxby has set February 3, 2025, as the date for the next hearing between the two sides. This hearing will likely determine how the trial will proceed, including whether the disputed expert testimony will be allowed and what other evidence will be presented in court.
As the state seeks a second chance to convict LeDoux, the public and political ramifications of the case continue to grow. LeDoux, a prominent figure in Alaska politics, is facing the possibility of significant legal consequences if she is convicted. Meanwhile, the state’s case against her will be under intense scrutiny, with many eyes watching how the second trial unfolds.
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