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Senate Hearing: Nominees Refuse 2020 Winner, Cite Jackson Silence

5/23/2026

45 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On May 20, 2026, Ben Flowers and Matthew Schwartz refused to name the 2020 winner, citing Jackson’s silence.
Chair Sen. Chuck Grassley opened with a Jackson poster and said the nominees should not comment.
Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Richard Blumenthal called the refusals rehearsed and mocked Grassley’s query saying Biden won.
Experts said Jackson is bound by the Code of Conduct, but Flowers and Schwartz are not, making the citation questionable.

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Story summary

On May 20, 2026, Ben Flowers and Matthew Schwartz refused to name the 2020 winner, citing Jackson’s silence.
Chair Sen. Chuck Grassley opened with a Jackson poster and said the nominees should not comment.
Sen. Dick Durbin and Sen. Richard Blumenthal called the refusals rehearsed and mocked Grassley’s query saying Biden won.
Experts said Jackson is bound by the Code of Conduct, but Flowers and Schwartz are not, making the citation questionable.