Judge Disqualifies Santa Clara DA From Stanford Protest Retrial Over Conflict

A judge said the DA’s campaign fundraising tied to the case created a conflict requiring a new prosecutor.

Overview

Santa Clara County’s district attorney was removed from the Stanford protest retrial and the California Attorney General was ordered to take over, with the state retaining the option to appeal.
Judge Kelley Paul found a “grave” conflict after DA Jeff Rosen promoted the case in reelection fundraising and linked it to fighting antisemitism even though no hate‑crime charges were filed.
The handoff to the Attorney General introduces uncertainty about timing, as that office had argued recusal was not required and now must assume the prosecution.
The case traces to a June 2024 break‑in at Stanford’s president’s office during a pro‑Palestinian protest, and a February jury deadlock in the first trial led to a mistrial.
Reactions split: the DA’s office said it disagrees but respects the ruling, the Jewish Community Relations Council called it a troubling precedent for Jewish officials, and defendant German Gonzalez praised the decision.