DOJ Seeks Court Order to Halt Alaska Senate Certification Over Candidate Name Confusion

DOJ asks a federal judge to stop certifying Alaska’s Senate race if incumbent Dan Sullivan loses by a margin that could stem from voter confusion with a retiree also named Dan J. Sullivan. The filing, submitted by U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman, urges the court to preserve and segregate all ballots that rank the incumbent for a detailed intent investigation. Heyman warned that the Nov 3, 2026 election “poses a substantial risk” of misleading voters and undermining election integrity. He said President Donald Trump requested the suit, which claims the non‑incumbent’s candidacy was designed to help Democrat Mary Peltola by siphoning votes from the incumbent. Heyman announced both a civil and a criminal probe, noting “a surge of FBI resources” and that the criminal investigation has been running for months. He recused himself earlier when a judicial nomination was considered, then returned after the nomination ended. A New York Times report linked senior aides of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to the retiree’s recruitment, a claim the Peltola campaign denies. District Judge Sharon Gleason kept fast‑track dismissal efforts alive, ordering DOJ to answer new motions by 1 p.m. Alaska time and giving state officials, the Peltola campaign and other intervenors until noon Saturday to reply. The judge may rule before Election Day, which could decide whether Republicans keep their 53‑seat majority or Democrats take control. Alaska’s ranked‑choice system means no candidate needs a first‑round majority; the fourth‑place finisher is eliminated and second‑choice votes are reallocated, making any confusion potentially decisive.

Context

Alaska’s use of ranked‑choice voting means that a split‑ballot name can shift second‑choice totals, which can alter the final winner in a tight race. The DOJ’s move reflects rare federal intervention in a state‑run election where the outcome could change Senate control.