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NewsKPBS Public MediaOctober 25, 2026San Diego County

U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche defends DOJ lawsuit blocking Alaska Senate results if Republican loses

Photo: KPBS Public Media

U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche defended a Department of Justice lawsuit seeking to prevent Alaska from automatically certifying Senate election results if the Republican incumbent loses. The lawsuit argues that potential voter confusion over two candidates with similar names warrants blocking certification until an investigation occurs, while critics argue the move interferes with the democratic process.

ElectionsVoting RightsLawsuitsFederal Jurisdiction
Read the full story at KPBS Public Media

Why It Matters

The federal lawsuit directly impacts whether Alaska can finalize its Senate election results following the upcoming midterm elections, potentially altering control of the U.S. Senate.

Key Facts

  • U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche defended a DOJ lawsuit seeking to stop Alaska from certifying its Senate election results if the Republican incumbent loses.
  • The Justice Department claims potential voter confusion over candidates with similar names—incumbent Dan Sullivan and challenger Daniel J. Sullivan—justifies the lawsuit.
  • President Trump stated publicly that he was the one who ordered the Department of Justice to file the lawsuit.
  • The lawsuit was filed late Thursday in a federal court in Alaska, citing the National Voter Registration Act.
  • State courts and the Alaska Supreme Court previously kept Daniel J. Sullivan on the ballot after state election officials tried to remove him.
  • In the state's primary election in August, the incumbent senator received over 68,000 votes while Daniel J. Sullivan received 4,107 votes.
  • Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski criticized the lawsuit on social media, stating the state had already distinguished the candidates.
  • The incumbent appears on the ballot as 'Dan S. Sullivan' with a Republican party label, while Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. carries no party label.

Who's Mentioned

PersonDan Sullivan“Current Republican senator running for reelection”locationFlorida“Location where President Trump told reporters he ordered the lawsuit”PersonTodd Blanche“U.S. Attorney General defending the DOJ lawsuit on CNN”PersonDaniel J. Sullivan“Retired schoolteacher from Petersburg running on the ballot with a similar name”PersonMary Peltola“Former congresswoman running in the tight Senate race against Dan Sullivan”PersonLisa Murkowski“Alaska's other Republican senator criticizing the lawsuit”locationAlaska“State holding the Senate election and subject to the DOJ lawsuit”PersonStanley Woodward“Associate Attorney General who signed the lawsuit”locationPetersburg“Hometown of candidate Daniel J. Sullivan”locationVirginia“Location where Blanche made previous 'doomsday' remarks”PersonTrump“President who stated he ordered the DOJ lawsuit”otherNational Voter Registration Act“Statute cited in the Department of Justice lawsuit”PersonDana Bash“CNN anchor interviewing Todd Blanche on State of the Union”