Justice Department defends Alaska Senate ballot lawsuit as Murkowski condemns filing

Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a statement defending the Justice Department’s lawsuit concerning Alaska’s closely watched Senate contest, emphasizing that the action is intended to safeguard ballots and determine whether voters were misled, not to halt voting or certification. The dispute centers on incumbent Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan and retired teacher Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., whose similar names have sparked accusations of voter confusion that could influence the balance of power in the Senate.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski responded on X, saying Alaska’s officials have already distinguished the candidates and that the DOJ should never have filed the case. President Donald Trump later said he instructed the department to bring the suit, while a motion to dismiss cites his comment as evidence of political motivation. Election-law scholars have labeled the lawsuit frivolous, noting no federal statute authorizes the relief sought. The outcome may affect the November 3 midterms, where the Alaska seat could help determine whether Republicans retain their 53-47 Senate majority.