A former governor and former federal judge critical of Trump’s election gambit

“The constitution’s pretty clear that the manner of the elections is left up to the states, and not to the federal government.”

February 9, 2026 | Ian Karbal | Pennsylvania Capital Star

. . . Corbett and Jones spoke to the Capital-Star about what the U.S. Constitution says about what powers the federal government has to administer elections (unambiguously, very little), and their concerns and hopes for the 2026 election as the Trump administration continues to sow distrust in its potential outcome.

“The constitution’s pretty clear that the manner of the elections is left up to the states, and not to the federal government,” Corbett said. “The president would like to have it differently, but I don’t think he can have it differently.” . . .