Judge Dismisses Justice Department Suit to Delay Alaska Senate Certification Over Two Dan Sullivans

What happened

Judge Sharon Gleason of the federal district court in Anchorage on Sunday dismissed the Justice Department's lawsuit seeking to stop Alaska from certifying its Senate result if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses ^[1][2][3]. In a 20-page order, she found the government lacked legal standing to bring the case ^[1][2].

The department argued that a second candidate, retired teacher Daniel J. Sullivan, could confuse voters and draw support from the incumbent to the benefit of the Democratic nominee, Mary Peltola ^[1][2][3]. Gleason wrote that the government "provides no workable plan" to segregate his ballots and investigate them "in a manner that would preserve voter secrecy" ^[1][2].

How it affects Americans

The ruling lands two days before Election Day in a close race that helps decide which party controls the Senate ^[2][3]. It also tests how far Washington can reach into a state-run election: Gleason said running the election is among "the responsibilities of the State, not the executive branch of the federal government" ^[2]. President Donald Trump has said he ordered the suit ^[2][3].

The Veil Press view

The voter-confusion concern is real enough to investigate, and the department says the court "did not dispute" its claim that the second Sullivan entered the race to confuse voters ^[1][2]. Peltola's campaign denies any role in his candidacy ^[2][3]. But pulling individual ballots out of a secret count after voting has begun is a cure that could do more damage than the problem ^[1][2].

What we know

Confirmed

• Judge Sharon Gleason dismissed the suit on Sunday ^[1][2][3].
• She found the United States lacked standing ^[1][2].
• The Justice Department plans to appeal ^[1][2][3].
• Sen. Sullivan told CNN he would accept the election results ^[2][3].

Still being reported

• CNBC reports the department filed notice of its intention to appeal to the 9th Circuit ^[2].
• The judge refused to allow a further amendment of the complaint, calling it futile ^[2].
• The U.S. Attorney for Alaska said criminal and civil investigations into the second Sullivan's decision to run are ongoing ^[2].