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Politics · November 1, 2026

Judge tosses Trump's attempt to block Alaska Senate results if GOP incumbent loses

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A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by the Trump administration seeking to challenge the certification of Alaska's U.S. Senate election results. The Department of Justice filed the suit citing concerns over voter confusion caused by the presence of two candidates named Dan Sullivan on the ballot—the Republican incumbent, Sen. Dan S. Sullivan, and another candidate, Dan J. Sullivan. U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason ruled that the federal government's request to segregate and investigate specific ballots lacked a workable plan and would violate Alaskan voters' right to a secret ballot. The Trump administration has indicated plans to appeal the ruling as the race between Senator Sullivan and Democratic challenger Mary Peltola continues.

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Reported across the spectrum

  • U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason dismissed the lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice regarding the Alaska Senate race.
  • The lawsuit sought to block or delay certification of election results if the Republican incumbent loses.
  • The presence of two candidates named Dan Sullivan on the ballot is the central issue of the litigation.
  • Judge Gleason ruled that the proposed remedy to segregate and investigate ballots violated voter secrecy laws.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The Department of Justice intends to appeal the judge's decision.
  • The New York Times reported that Democrats may have recruited the second Dan Sullivan to siphon votes from the incumbent.
  • Judge Gleason was appointed by former President Barack Obama.
  • One candidate is referred to as Dan J. Sullivan Jr. in some reports.
  • The lawsuit was dismissed on grounds of lacking standing and redressability.

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