The decision comes just days before a trial on Trump's eligibility for the ballot is expected to begin.
In a 24-page ruling, Colorado District Judge Sarah Wallace pushed back on Trump's argument that Congress, not courts, should handle questions related to his ballot eligibility.
She also sided against Trump's claim that state election officials lack the power to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.
Wallace's ruling Wednesday comes after Chief U.S. District Judge Philip A. Brimmer denied Trump's request to move the Colorado ballot case to federal court.
In a four-page order, Brimmer sent the lawsuit back to the same state court in Denver County where it was filed on behalf of the group of voters.
Persons:
Donald Trump, Trump, Sarah Wallace, Wallace, Philip A, Brimmer, George W, Bush, Jena Griswold
Organizations:
U.S, Republican, Wednesday, Capitol, NBC, United States Congress, Chief U.S
Locations:
Cedar Rapids , Iowa, U.S, Colorado, Denver, Washington, Denver County, Jena