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Justice Department sues to block Alaska Senate certification if Dan Sullivan loses

The suit alleges a same-named candidate deliberately sought to confuse voters and potentially divert votes in the Alaska Senate race.

Updated Oct 23, 2026 · 16:24 UTC3 reports

The short version

  • The Justice Department filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block Alaska from certifying its Senate winner if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses.[CNBC]
  • The suit alleges that Daniel J. Sullivan, who shares the incumbent's name and party affiliation, deliberately sought to confuse voters and aid Democrat Mary Peltola.[CBS News]
  • Alaska's Supreme Court previously rejected a Republican effort to remove Daniel J. Sullivan from the ballot, and a law professor says the suit appears to lack legal merit.[Associated Press]
  • Attorney General Todd Blanche said the DOJ does not intend to improperly interfere with state certification outside extreme circumstances.[Associated Press]

Key facts

  • The Justice Department filed a lawsuit seeking to block Alaska from certifying the Senate winner if Dan Sullivan loses.[CBS News · CNBC]
  • The lawsuit alleges that Daniel J. Sullivan deliberately sought to confuse voters and benefit Democrat Mary Peltola.[CBS News]
  • The Alaska Supreme Court previously rejected a Republican effort to remove Daniel J. Sullivan from the ballot.[Associated Press]
  • Attorney General Todd Blanche said the DOJ does not intend to improperly interfere with state certification outside extreme circumstances.[Associated Press]
  • Law professor Derek Muller said the lawsuit appears to lack legal merit.[Associated Press]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether the lawsuit has a legal basis to block certification is disputed, with one law professor saying it lacks merit.[Associated Press]
  • The allegation that Daniel J. Sullivan intended to confuse voters is a claim in the DOJ complaint and has not been established.[CBS News · CNBC]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.