US Justice Department seeks to block Alaska Senate results if incumbent loses
The Trump administration filed a preemptive lawsuit to delay certification of Alaska's Senate election if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan is defeated.
KEY POINTS
- The Justice Department filed a preemptive lawsuit to block Alaska Senate certification if Dan Sullivan loses.
- The suit claims candidate Daniel J. Sullivan could confuse voters because he shares the incumbent's surname.
- Notre Dame professor Derek Muller called the legal theory strange and unusual.
- Democrats need four net Senate seats in November to gain control.
- Dan Sullivan won the primary with 68,726 votes; Daniel J. Sullivan received 4,107.
The US Department of Justice has filed a preemptive lawsuit seeking to block certification of Alaska's Senate election results if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan loses the race, which could determine control of the Senate.
The lawsuit argues that another candidate named Daniel J. Sullivan could confuse voters and asks a court to potentially delay certification if Sullivan is defeated next month. Election law professor Derek Muller of Notre Dame Law School called the legal theory behind the suit "strange and unusual" and said it is unclear how a court could intervene as proposed.
“The legal theory behind the lawsuit is strange and unusual.”
Democrats need to win four net seats in November to take control of the Senate, and Alaska is among several Republican-held states they hope to flip. Incumbent Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola have campaigned in a tight race where reliable polls have been scarce.
Daniel J. Sullivan is a registered Republican, but state election officials placed him on the ballot without party affiliation. The incumbent appears on the ballot identified as "registered Republican" and "incumbent."
In the primary election, Dan Sullivan received 68,726 votes while Daniel J. Sullivan received 4,107 votes. Republicans have alleged that the second Sullivan candidacy aims to split the vote and confuse the electorate.
President Donald Trump suggested earlier this week that his administration might take legal action regarding the race.
3 more sources below
COMMENTS (0)
No comments yet. Be the first.
RELATED STORIES
British Columbia snap election leaves both main parties unprepared
Political observers say neither the NDP nor the Conservatives appear ready for the Oct. 24 provincial vote.
Argentina delays Malvinas sovereignty bill amid US company concerns
The Argentine government postponed the national defense sovereignty bill after Washington raised objections over sanctions affecting US-linked firms.
Seven Foreign Ministers Meet in Istanbul to Address Regional Crises
Turkey hosts a first-time R4+E3 diplomatic gathering focused on the Strait of Hormuz, Gaza, Yemen and the Russia-Ukraine war.
- Student march draws tens of thousands to Belgrade ahead of Sunday vote
- Nigeria Approves 90-Day Plan to Cut Living Costs
- Dutch Spies Reportedly Hacked Kushner’s iPhone and Tracked $750 Million Transfer
- Feijóo Vows to Remove Sánchez, Keep Vox Pact Option, Abolish Equality Ministry
- Mersin MESEM investigation: 22 suspects detained over alleged bribery and fraud
This page was compiled with AI assistance from the outlets named above and passed an automated language check before publication. Montegre has no reporters of its own; the byline names the outlets the story was compiled from. Method and editorial standards