Last year, Colorado tried to block former President Donald Trump from its ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which bars those involved in “insurrection or rebellion” from holding office. But the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the move, ruling that “only Congress—not individual states—has the constitutional authority to enforce the clause.”

That decision shifted the power debate, energizing some Republican lawmakers who now see Congress as the key player in enforcing Section 3. With the GOP’s narrow 219–213 majority in the House, some members believe the ruling could influence future eligibility disputes involving federal candidates.

According to congressional aides, Republican leaders are considering a post-election vote to declare Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani ineligible under the same clause.

However, experts note such an effort would face “steep procedural and legal challenges,” including a probable filibuster in the Democrat-controlled Senate and likely court intervention.

Even if attempted, analysts say the move would be mostly symbolic, as it would “be unlikely to survive judicial scrutiny.”