Appeals court panel rejects Lindsey Graham bid to block testimony in Georgia election probe

A federal appeals court panel unanimously denied South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham's bid to avoid testifying in a Georgia probe examining former President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state.

"Senator Graham has failed to demonstrate that this approach will violate his rights under the Speech and Debate Clause," the panel wrote, according to The Hill. Graham had pointed to constitutional protections for lawmakers in arguing against a subpoena. "The court noted that Senator Graham may still seek to assert his Speech and Debate Clause privilege if there is a dispute about whether a concrete question implicates his factfinding relating to certification," the ruling added.

Democratic District Attorney Fani Willis, who is heading the investigation, seeks answers about calls between Graham and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who organized the state's election process. 

Barring further appeal, Willis will be able to question Graham about the calls, but may only inquire into that subject, the outlet noted.

The grand jury has already subpoenaed other prominent Republicans, including Georgia Rep. Jody Hice.