The Georgia State Senate is launching a special committee with full subpoena power to investigate the actions of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who has been accused of prosecutorial misconduct and having an affair with a special prosecutor.
The nine-person panel, composed of six Republicans and three Democrats, was created by a resolution proposed by Republican state Sen. Greg Dolezal and passed by a vote of 30-19. This move comes after allegations of misusing public funds and engaging in a conflict of interest were made against Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade.
According to the resolution, the creation of this investigative committee was necessary due to “public reports and court filings” regarding Willis and Wade’s relationship. If proven true, the affair would constitute a “clear conflict of interest” and potentially delay the ongoing prosecution in which the two are involved. The committee has been granted extensive powers, including the ability to compel testimony under oath and issue subpoenas, to fully investigate this matter.
During discussions on the Senate floor, Georgia Democrats opposing the resolution gave Willis and Wade the benefit of the doubt, stating that the allegations were based on nothing more than rumors. State Sen. David Lucas called it “bedroom politics” and urged for the matter to be resolved through the proper channels. However, supporters of the measure argue that the alleged misconduct by Willis and Wade must be properly investigated, as they have potentially misused taxpayers’ money and abused their positions for personal gain.
Republican state Sen. Matt Brass stated that this investigation is about “following state funds” and determining if any of it was used for the lavish trips and expensive dinners that Wade reportedly took Willis on. By forming this committee, the Senate aims to examine if Willis’s alleged actions constitute a violation of ethics laws and if she has broken her oath of impartiality. The investigation will also look into the possibility of any other conflicts of interest that may have played a role in the proceedings of the ongoing prosecution case.
SR 465 is adopted as amended by a vote of 30 to 19. #gapol #gasenate
— Senate Press Office (@GASenatePress) January 26, 2024
Willis and Wade have not yet publicly addressed the allegations of their relationship, but they are expected to be served subpoenas to testify at a hearing scheduled for February 15. The presiding judge has also ordered Willis to respond to the claims in writing by February 2. However, it is anticipated that Willis will fight any subpoenas issued. She has already attempted to quash a subpoena to be deposed in Wade’s ongoing divorce proceedings.
On the same day that the state Senate launched the special committee, Republican state Rep. Charlice Byrd introduced articles of impeachment against Willis in the House of Representatives. Byrd claims that Willis used her position “for political gain” by wrongfully indicting former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants.
Byrd also alleges that Willis has engaged in a “financially beneficial” relationship with Wade, which violates her oath of impartiality and makes her unfit for office. To convict Willis, a two-thirds majority of the 56-seat state Senate is necessary, which will require the support of at least five Democrats, in addition to the Republican majority.
Georgia’s General Assembly has not impeached anyone in over 50 years, making this a significant move in the state’s history. While the decision ultimately rests with the state Senate, the House’s introduction of impeachment articles further amplifies the seriousness of the allegations against Willis.
With the investigative committee given sweeping powers to uncover the truth and the House taking steps toward impeachment, all eyes will be on Fulton County and its district attorney as the scandal unfolds.