Trump administration sues to block possible Democratic win in Alaska Senate race

The Trump administration has sued to prevent the certification of Alaska's Senate results if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan fails to win the election. The administration claims there could be "voter confusion" due to two Republican candidates named Dan Sullivan on the ballot, which might influence the outcome in favor of Democratic nominee Mary Peltola.

Alaska's closely contested Senate race could determine control of the Senate, with polls showing the two Republican candidates tied. A third Republican candidate, Daniel J Sullivan, is also running and could appear on the November ballot. The administration is seeking a pause in certifying the vote pending an investigation to determine if votes for Daniel J Sullivan were intended for Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan.

The federal government argues that Dan J Sullivan's candidacy is solely to benefit Peltola's campaign by reducing votes for Sullivan. Alaska uses ranked-choice voting, where voters rank candidates, and votes transfer to lower-placed contenders as they are eliminated. President Trump and his allies have repeatedly claimed without evidence that Daniel J Sullivan is an "impostor."

Republicans across the country have accused the former schoolteacher, who lives in Petersburg, of being a Democratic plant to siphon votes from Dan S Sullivan. The Trump administration argues that the lawsuit has merit due to Alaska's voting system being called a "scam" and encouraging Alaskans to support a ballot measure to repeal it.

The incumbent senator will have "(Registered Republican) Incumbent" next to his name on the November ballot to clarify for voters. Voting rights experts believe the lawsuit's basis is thin, as investigating voters' preferences after they have voted would be practically impossible. In June, the Alaska supreme court ruled that Dan J Sullivan could remain on the ballot.

The Trump administration's targeting of Alaska's Senate race is significant as Democrats are making gains in flipping red-leaning states. If Peltola wins, she would be the first Democrat to win the seat in nearly two decades.