CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- A judge has agreed to expedite a ruling on whether a candidate for Charleston County sheriff should appear on the Democratic Party’s primary ballot in June, according to attorneys.

Former Lt. Alan Ali, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for sheriff, is suing the South Carolina Democratic Party over a decision to block him from the June primary ballot.

Judge George McFaddin, Jr. heard arguments from attorneys on both sides during a hearing Friday morning at the Charleston County Courthouse.

Ali, a longtime CCSO employee, has asked the judge to reinstate him on the ballot before the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Election (BVRE) finalizes and sends absentee ballots for overseas military members on April 27.

While the judge did not indicate how he would rule, attorneys say he agreed to issue a decision early next week.

“At this moment, I could rule with both of you, but I can’t do that,” Judge McFaddin said. “I’ve got to make a decision and I will.”

SCDP Chair Christale Spain declined to certify Ali for the Democratic primary after citing concerns over his “allegiance” to the party and its values. Questions over his residency were also part of the decision.

Ali rejected that reasoning during a press conference last week and claimed the party’s decision was motivated by “individual bias” against him and “hidden agendas.”

“The SCDP’s role in deciding whose name is placed on the primary ballot is merely ministerial in that the party has a “gatekeeping” role in ensuring that the candidates it puts forth are qualified pursuant to the relevant statutes and our Constitution,” the lawsuit stated.

Ali is running against incumbent Sheriff Kristin Graziano. They are the only two candidates who filed as Democrats for the upcoming race.