Alaska Senate Race Erupts as DOJ Moves to Interfere Over Ballot Controversy
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The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Alaska over Senate-election certification, claiming concern about voter confusion as Republican Senator Dan Sullivan attacks Democrat Mary Peltola over a ballot scheme allegation tied to another candidate with the same name.
The Department of Justice has launched a lawsuit against Alaska, pressing the state not to certify the Senate election if incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan loses. The lawsuit claims there may be voter confusion because another candidate, Dan J. Sullivan, is also on the ballot, and argues that this could pull votes away from the incumbent while helping Democratic candidate Mary Peltola.
Peltola has denied any role in recruiting the second Sullivan, even as reports have suggested her campaign may have been directly involved in the effort. Alaska’s Senate race is currently regarded as a "toss-up," with Peltola holding a narrow lead in polling averages. Sullivan responded on CNN by saying the controversy shows Peltola’s campaign cannot defend its record and has instead turned to deceptive tactics.
Sullivan said he believes many Alaskans, including Democrats, see Peltola as unfit for office and accused her of misleading the public. Peltola, in an interview, rejected any knowledge of the alleged scheme, saying such behavior is not what Alaskans do. She pointed to her past statewide election victories as proof that she can win without resorting to trickery.
The outcome of the Alaska Senate race remains highly consequential, as Democrats are trying to flip four seats while protecting the ones they already hold in order to win a Senate majority, which would shape control of Congress during President Trump's term.