A federal judge dismissed the Department of Justice’s lawsuit seeking to delay the certification of Alaska’s Senate election if incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan lost. The DOJ alleged voter confusion due to another candidate named Daniel J. Sullivan on the ballot, possibly affecting the ranked-choice voting outcome. Judge Sharon Gleason ruled that the DOJ failed to demonstrate legal standing to justify the lawsuit, which would require segregating ballots and investigating voter intent without violating ballot secrecy. Despite this dismissal, the DOJ declared it would appeal the ruling to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The contentious lawsuit was filed shortly after October 22, 2026, amid criminal and civil probes into the actions of Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired schoolteacher whose candidacy was accused of being a strategic ploy to mislead voters. Democratic nominee Mary Peltola and her campaign, along with state election officials and other advocacy groups, opposed the DOJ’s claims, rejecting any involvement in recruiting the other Sullivan. The Alaska ballots clearly differentiate the two, labeling the incumbent as "Dan S. Sullivan" with party affiliation and incumbency noted, while the retired teacher appears as "Daniel J. Sullivan" without additional descriptors.

Judge Gleason’s decision emphasized the constitutional principle that courts should not change election rules close to voting day, referring to the Purcell principle. She also declined to allow the DOJ to amend its complaint again as the court lacks authority to order segregation of ballots for a federal investigation. The ruling did not resolve whether the second Sullivan candidacy was a deliberate attempt to confuse voters but found that the DOJ's requested remedies would interfere with state election procedures and voter confidentiality.

The political stakes remain high with the Alaska Senate race expected to influence Senate control, where Republicans narrowly lead. Sen. Sullivan stated he would accept the election results but criticized Peltola’s campaign for allegedly dishonest tactics. Meanwhile, Peltola’s campaign called the lawsuit a baseless attempt by the Trump administration and the DOJ to obstruct the electoral process. The closely watched contest continues as legal challenges unfold and Alaska voters prepare to finalize their choice on November 3, 2026.