DOJ sues to block Alaska from certifying Senate race winner if Republican narrowly loses
The Alaska race is one of several contests around the United States that could determine whether Republicans retain their slim majority in the Senate
Key points
- The DOJ sued to stop Alaska certifying its Senate race winner if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses.
- The suit cites possible voter confusion from another Republican, Daniel Sullivan, being on the ballot.
- Alaska Elections Director Carol Beecher found Daniel Sullivan's candidacy aimed at confusing voters.
The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit on Thursday seeking to block Alaska from certifying the winner of its U.S. Senate election if incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses. The suit points to what it suggests is likely voter confusion caused by another Republican candidate, Daniel Sullivan, appearing on the ballot.
Both Sullivans are running against Democratic nominee Mary Peltola. The Alaska contest is one of several Senate races across the country that could decide whether Republicans keep their slim majority in the chamber.
What the lawsuit says
The suit quotes Alaska Elections Director Carol Beecher's finding that Daniel J. Sullivan's candidacy is "for the purpose of confusing or misleading voters and compromising the fairness of the ballot." It argues that if Alaska certifies results affected by his presence on the ballot, the state and its officers would fail to protect the integrity of the election.
The filing states that the United States brought the case "to protect the integrity of the 2026 Senate election in Alaska."
The United States accordingly brings this lawsuit to protect the integrity of the 2026 Senate election in Alaska
— the Department of Justice lawsuit
