Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent a letter to congressional leadership Monday requesting an impeachment inquiry into Judge Nancy Abudu, a Biden appointee to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, over her prior work at the Southern Poverty Law Center amid mounting fraud allegations against the organization.

The request comes as the SPLC faces indictment over allegations of donor fraud, including claims the organization fabricated KKK activity to bolster fundraising efforts. Uthmeier argues that Abudu's tenure as a senior attorney at the SPLC, where she held leadership positions from 2019 until her federal appointment in 2023, raises questions about her fitness to serve on the federal bench.

Ties to Controversial Organization Under Federal Investigation

Judge Abudu served in multiple capacities at the SPLC before her confirmation to the federal appeals court. During her time there, she worked as strategic litigation director and deputy legal director for voting rights. The organization is now under investigation for allegedly using fabricated white supremacist threats to mislead donors into contributing millions of dollars.

In his letter, Uthmeier specifically requested Congress investigate whether Abudu had knowledge of or participated in any fraudulent activities during her SPLC employment. The attorney general noted that senior attorneys in leadership roles would have had access to information about organizational practices and fundraising operations.

Congressional Response and Next Steps

The Florida AG sent his request to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Under the Constitution, federal judges can be impeached by a House majority vote and removed by a two thirds Senate vote following trial. Congressional leaders have not yet publicly responded to Uthmeier's request.

Republicans hold significant majorities in both chambers following the 2024 elections, giving them the numerical votes needed to pursue impeachment if they choose. However, judicial impeachments remain rare and typically require extensive investigation before articles are introduced.

Broader Scrutiny of Biden Judicial Appointments

The call for an impeachment inquiry reflects growing Republican scrutiny of Biden era judicial nominees with backgrounds in progressive advocacy organizations. Conservatives have long criticized the SPLC for what they view as partisan political activity disguised as civil rights work, particularly the organization's practice of labeling mainstream conservative groups as hate organizations.

Judge Abudu faced significant Republican opposition during her confirmation process in 2023, with GOP senators raising concerns about her objectivity given her advocacy background. She was confirmed on a party line vote with all Republicans voting against her nomination.

The outcome of Uthmeier's request will depend on whether congressional leaders view the SPLC fraud allegations as substantive enough to warrant investigating a sitting federal judge. Any impeachment inquiry would require substantial evidence that Abudu personally engaged in misconduct, not merely that her former employer faces legal problems.