US President Donald Trump shakes hands with US Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) as he invited him to speak during a campaign rally at Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center in Wasilla, Alaska, on October 13, 2026. (Photo by Kent NISHIMURA / AFP via Getty
In just two weeks before the midterm election, the Trump administration has asked a federal court to block certification of Alaska’s U.S. Senate race if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses while another candidate with the same name remains on the ballot.
What we know:
The lawsuit, filed Thursday by the Department of Justice, argues the state should be barred from certifying a Democratic win if Daniel J. Sullivan, a previously unknown candidate, is allowed to stay on the ballot. DOJ lawyers say federal law obligates states to safeguard the integrity of federal elections.
"The United States accordingly brings this lawsuit to protect the integrity of the 2026 Senate election in Alaska," the lawsuit says, contending that federal law requires states to protect the integrity of federal elections.
RELATED: Alaska's 2026 Senate race: What to know about Mary Peltola vs Dan Sullivan
The backstory:
The race is considered pivotal in the battle for Senate control. Sen. Sullivan, seeking reelection, faces Democrat Mary Peltola and Daniel J. Sullivan, who entered the race without a party designation. Republicans have accused him of being a Democratic plant intended to siphon votes from the incumbent.
Dig deeper:
The challenge comes months after Alaska finalized its ballot in the state when its Supreme Court rejected a previous Republican attempt to remove the independent Sullivan.
Alaska does have a ranked-choice voting system which does allow voters to select both candidates on a ballot if they are confused.
Big picture view:
The DOJ lawsuit seeks emergency relief ahead of the Nov. 3 election, warning of potential "harm to the integrity" of the contest if the state certifies the results with both names on the ballot.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by The Associated Press. This story was reported from Orlando.