A judge has scheduled New York Congressman Michael Grimm’s tax evasion trial for December.

U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen told lawyers at a hearing on Tuesday that jury selection will begin Dec. 1.

She rejected defense arguments that the trial should be put off until next year. He is running for re-election this year.

The Republican congressman was indicted earlier this year. He’s charged with evading taxes by hiding more than $1 million in sales and wages while running a small Manhattan restaurant.

The Staten Island lawmaker and former FBI agent has pleaded not guilty. He says he’s the target of a political witch hunt aimed at driving him out of office.

Grimm left court without speaking to reporters.

(AP)