“Ghost Candidate” Election Scheme Trial Continues in Miami

The criminal trial of former Miami-Dade State Senator Frank Artiles is underway, with opening statements setting the stage for a case that has attracted widespread attention. Artiles is accused of orchestrating a "ghost candidate" scheme in the 2020 election, paying Alex Rodriguez nearly $45,000 to run as an independent candidate in a race against Democratic incumbent Jose Javier Rodriguez. The prosecution alleges that the purpose of this scheme was to siphon votes away from Rodriguez and tilt the election in favor of the Republican candidate.

Artiles faces charges. . .