Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Marc Elias

Public opinion and media debates around Marc Elias—discover key moments of controversy.

Marc Elias is a prominent American elections attorney for the Democratic Party. He is known for his focus on voting rights and election law. Elias founded Democracy Docket, a website dedicated to these issues, in 2020. In 2021, he established the Elias Law Group after leaving Perkins Coie. He is considered a major figure in shaping the Democratic Party's approach to elections and campaign rules within the United States.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2014: Advised Senator Harry Reid on spending bill provision

In 2014, Elias advised Senator Harry Reid on a provision in a spending bill that increased the amount of cash superrich donors could give to national party committees.

April 2016: Hired Fusion GPS for Opposition Research

In April 2016, Elias hired Fusion GPS on behalf of the Democratic National Committee and the Clinton campaign to create research that resulted in the Steele dossier.

September 2016: Sussmann Meeting with FBI General Counsel

In September 2016, Michael Sussmann met with FBI general counsel James Baker, which later became the subject of a false statement charge.

October 24, 2017: Perkins Coie Released Fusion GPS from Obligation

On October 24, 2017, Perkins Coie released Fusion GPS from its client confidentiality obligation.

September 29, 2020: Motion to supplement the record filed

On September 29, 2020, Elias and his legal team filed a motion to supplement the record regarding the case.

February 10, 2021: Motion to supplement the record filed

On February 10, 2021, Elias and his legal team filled a motion to supplement the record which was "redundant and misleading".

March 12, 2021: Sanctions Issued by 5th Circuit Court of Appeals

On March 12, 2021, a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued sanctions on Elias and other Perkins Coie attorneys for "redundant and misleading" motions in a Texas voting case.

December 2021: Elias Asked Court to Reconsider Sanctions

In December 2021, Elias asked the full court to reconsider the panel's decision to issue sanctions against him, but the motion was denied.

May 18, 2022: Testified at trial of Michael Sussmann

On May 18, 2022, Elias testified at the trial of Michael Sussmann, acknowledging hiring Fusion GPS for opposition research against Donald Trump.

2024: Sued to Overturn Ohio Law and Petitioned FEC

In 2024, Elias sued to overturn an Ohio law barring foreign nationals from spending money on ballot measure campaigns and petitioned the Federal Election Commission to allow a George Soros-funded political action committee to coordinate with Democratic campaigns.

March 22, 2025: Trump Issues Presidential Memorandum

On March 22, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum targeting lawyers and law firms who filed "frivolous, unreasonable, and vexatious litigation" against the administration.