The Justice Department filed a lawsuit on Thursday seeking to prevent certification of Alaska’s Senate election results, arguing that an independent candidate sharing the name Daniel J Sullivan with Republican incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan could mislead voters. The filing contends that the presence of the independent candidate on the ballot threatens the integrity of the electoral process and requested a federal judge delay certification pending investigation into whether votes for the independent candidate were intended for the senator.
President Trump acknowledged his involvement in directing the lawsuit during remarks in Florida on Friday. The legal action has prompted concern among Democrats and voting rights advocates who worry the Trump administration may be interfering with midterm races. Critics pointed to other recent Justice Department actions, including charges against Virginia state Senator L Louise Lucas on corruption allegations and an investigation into Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar regarding immigration fraud claims, both of whom have characterized the actions as politically motivated.
Attorney General Todd Blanche stated on Wednesday that the Justice Department would not interfere with election certification except in extraordinary circumstances. However, legal experts questioned the federal government’s authority in the matter. Lauren Miller Karalunas of the Brennan Center for Justice stated that election certification is a state responsibility and the federal government has no role in the process, noting that state safeguards were designed to prevent manipulation.
Alaska’s state Supreme Court rejected a previous Republican attempt to remove the independent Daniel J Sullivan from the ballot in June. Under the state’s ranked-choice voting system, voters may select both candidates if desired. The independent candidate will appear without party designation while Senator Sullivan is listed as the Republican nominee.
The Alaska Senate race is highly competitive, with control of the US Senate potentially hinged on the outcome. Senator Sullivan faces a challenging re-election against former Democratic Congresswoman Mary Peltola. Recent polling showed the race within the margin of error, with one survey indicating Peltola held a narrow one-point lead earlier this month.
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