By October 25, 2026 / 1:38 PM EDT / CBS News
Washington — Attorney General Todd Blanche stated on Sunday that the Justice Department aims to “put guardrails in place” regarding the Alaska Senate election. The effort is to prevent certification if evidence shows voter confusion due to a second Dan Sullivan on the ballot.
“This is the Department of Justice doing our own research under the law,” Blanche mentioned on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.” The department filed a lawsuit to challenge the Senate race’s certification if Republican incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan loses. Sullivan is competing against Democratic candidate Mary Peltola in an unexpectedly tight race. Ranked-choice voting and a top-four primary complicate the election process.
Another candidate, Daniel J. Sullivan, shares his name with the incumbent senator. A former teacher, he entered the race, causing efforts from the sitting senator to have him removed. Although an election official initially declared him ineligible, the state Supreme Court allowed his inclusion on the ballot.
Blanche clarified that the DOJ’s lawsuit does not demand a halt to certification. Instead, it seeks to ensure the election reflects the voters’ will, without confusion influencing the outcome. He called for measures to identify possible voter confusion through ballot patterns.
Responding to the timing of the lawsuit, Blanche mentioned hopes for an explanation from the state Supreme Court. This issue has been discussed by the administration for months, according to Blanche.
In response to the lawsuit, former President Trump commented, “Well, I’m the one that said, ‘do it.'” Blanche claimed ignorance of whom Trump referred to and declined to share personal communications with the president.
Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina remarked on “Face the Nation” that reviewing the situation in Alaska is appropriate. He questioned the necessity of the lawsuit but recognized the importance of ensuring accurate ballots.
GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska opposed the DOJ’s action. “Alaskans don’t need any help voting for their preferred candidates,” Murkowski stated online, citing clear candidate distinctions as sufficient.
The incumbent senator will be identified as “(Registered Republican) Incumbent” on the ballot. Tillis acknowledged Murkowski’s deep knowledge of Alaska elections yet opposed the preemptive lawsuit appearance.
The Peltola campaign criticized the DOJ’s lawsuit as a “despicable political threat.” Campaign spokesperson Harry Child emphasized ensuring all Alaskan voters’ voices remain heard without external interference.