If you were the judge, how would you rule?

I’ll include the facts behind this, but won’t mention any political parties involved to avoid any party-line opinions.

Candidate A challenged for an elected local office as an affiliated party member four years ago and lost. The next election a couple years later, Candidate A ran for another post as an independent and won. Candidate A still serves that post as an independent. Candidate A once again wants to challenge for the seat they lost in the first race, running in the same affiliated party as they had before. This was challenged by the opposition party, stating that you can’t run for an office as an affiliated party candidate while you serve another office as an independent. The judge made his ruling, and it’s being appealed, of course.

If you were the judge, how would you rule? If you need any clarification on the matter I’d be happy to answer any relative questions you may have.