The Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct states judicial candidates should “refrain from political activity inappropriate to judicial office.”

Frendewey called it “disrespectful to voters” that Meadows is running for judge while also supporting Democrats, which he said added to partisan rhetoric.

“He’s clearly, at the very least, operating in a very gray area,” he said.

But Meadows said the accusations were “nonsense” and the event on Monday was encouraging people to get involved in the election. He said he spoke about redistricting, not any campaigns, and added he cannot endorse candidates in any way.

Meadows said Republicans are raising the issue to divert attention from a scandal regarding Roy Schmidt, a former Democrat representative from Grand Rapids who abruptly joined the Republican Party just before the filing deadline last week.

The scandal pits the two parties against each other over an alleged fake candidate put into the race to ensure an easy win for Schmidt.

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer has called for an investigation of the incident, which he said was election fraud.

The code also states that a judicial candidate can attend political gatherings but should not “hold any office in a political party.”

Meadows serves as the Democratic Campaign Committee chairman for the House, which Frendewey said advocates for the election of more Democrats and clearly is a political cause, which goes against the code of conduct.

But Meadows said he has been “scrupulous” in making sure none of his actions are in violations of the code, and there is no substance behind the claims.

“It’s simply a political move,” he said. “They’ve done it before, and I think they’ll do it again. But I don’t think they’re going to escape the Roy Schmidt scandal.”

Meadows has been accused of violating other legislative rules during his tenure as representative, including violating House rules and campaign finance laws for using government materials to endorse a candidate.

“What’s troubling is this idea that he’s going to try to skate around ethical violations to become a judge,” Frendewey said. “That’s what’s troubling.”