Trump administration files revised lawsuit to challenge Alaska Senate election results amid vote-siphoning allegations against Democratic candidate
The Trump administration is intensifying its legal battles over election integrity, with a revised Justice Department lawsuit seeking to prevent Alaska from certifying its Senate election results if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan loses.
The amended complaint centres on allegations that Democratic operatives helped recruit a second candidate, Daniel J. Sullivan, whose similar name could confuse voters and potentially divert support away from the Republican senator.
The controversy has drawn in Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, who has ordered a state investigation into whether the alleged recruitment breached election laws or warrants further legal action.
Democratic candidate Mary Peltola’s campaign has denied involvement in recruiting the rival candidate, while Daniel J. Sullivan has also rejected claims that he intended to mislead voters.
The legal dispute has become increasingly significant as the closely contested Senate race could help determine control of the chamber.
Alaska election officials have also challenged the federal lawsuit, arguing the administration has no legal authority to interfere with the state’s election process.
Meanwhile, the Justice Department has expanded its scrutiny of election procedures in California, issuing subpoenas seeking records from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s office as part of an investigation into allegations of noncitizen voting.
California officials have disputed claims that the state’s voting safeguards are inadequate, pushing back against the administration’s broader scrutiny of voter registration and election administration.
