Trump Bid to Block Alaska Senate Results Rejected by Obama-Appointed Judge

U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason has dismissed the Trump administration's effort to prevent Alaska from finalizing the results of its Senate election, if incumbent Dan Sullivan fails to win. The federal government sought to block certification while authorities investigate potential voter confusion due to two candidates with similar names on the ranked-choice ballot.

Judge Gleason, nominated by former President Barack Obama, ruled that the National Voter Registration Act does not allow the lawsuit, as it doesn't provide a cause of action for the government's claim. She also found the government failed to explain how its remedy would address the alleged injury without jeopardizing Alaskans' right to a secret ballot.

The Justice Department plans to appeal the dismissal. President Trump had ordered the lawsuit, alleging that the similarly named candidates were misleading voters. The race also includes Democratic former Representative Mary Peltola and Republican Gerald Heikes. Trump's comments and accusations against Sullivan Jr. have intensified the controversy surrounding the election.