DOJ files lawsuit to block certification of Alaska Senate race if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses. President Trump ordered the legal action, alleging the presence of a second Sullivan candidate undermines election integrity. The lawsuit seeks to delay certification until an investigation into potential vote misallocation.
Trump directed DOJ to file the lawsuit after state courts allowed Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. to remain on the ballot. The second Sullivan's campaign is deemed a 'frivolous' attempt to mislead voters, with the DOJ arguing that ranked choice voting could lead to votes for Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. being counted for Sen. Dan S. Sullivan. The lawsuit requests a delay in certification until an investigation is conducted.
The lawsuit aligns with broader Trump administration efforts to influence state election procedures, including challenges to mail-in voting and citizenship verification. Legal experts warn of potential interference in the midterm elections, as the DOJ's intervention could disrupt the certification process and impact the outcome of the Senate race.