Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis appeared voluntarily before a Republican-led Georgia Senate committee on Wednesday, delivering a fiery and unapologetic defense of her handling of the now-dismissed 2020 election interference case against President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants.
The hearing, held at the State Capitol and presided over by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) in the absence of committee chair Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens), focused heavily on Willis’ decision to hire special prosecutor Nathan Wade.
Willis acknowledged a past romantic relationship that ultimately led to her disqualification from the case in 2024.
Willis vigorously defended Wade’s qualifications and contributions to her office, emphasizing his value amid a heavy caseload. “We were drowning,” she told the panel, explaining the need for outside help on complex matters.
She highlighted the threats she faced during the prosecution, including swatting incidents at her home and racial slurs directed at her.
“Why don’t you investigate how many times my house has been swatted? Why don’t you investigate how many times they’ve called me the N-word?” Willis said at one point, pushing back against the committee’s line of questioning.
The exchange grew tense at times, with Willis dismissing some questions and her attorney, former Gov. Roy Barnes, intervening on occasion. The panel briefly cut Willis’ microphone when she veered beyond direct answers.
Willis remained unrepentant about the prosecution itself, referring to Trump and his co-defendants as individuals who “came into this jurisdiction and broke the law.”
She criticized the committee — several of whose Republican members are running for higher office — as politically motivated.
The hearing also touched on the costs of the prosecution, which has been slowed by appeals and ultimately stalled following Trump’s presidential victory and Willis’ removal from the case.
The Georgia Court of Appeals disqualified Willis citing an “appearance of impropriety,” a decision upheld when the state Supreme Court declined to review it.
Supporters greeted Willis outside the hearing room with cheers and signs reading “Fearless With Fani.”
The session, which extended into the afternoon, underscored ongoing partisan divisions over the high-profile case that once charged Trump and allies with racketeering in efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results.
The Senate Special Committee on Investigations has no direct power to sanction Willis but can recommend legislative changes.
No immediate actions were announced following Wednesday’s testimony.