Democrats take legal action against Trump bid ‘to rig’ Alaska Senate race

Mary Peltola, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Alaska, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee asked a federal court Friday to let them join, and then dismiss, a Justice Department lawsuit targeting the state's Senate contest. Their attorney, Marc Elias, said Saturday he expects Peltola to win, be certified and be seated, according to MS NOW.

The department sued at President Donald Trump's direction, seeking to block certification if Peltola narrowly defeats Republican incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan. It argues voters could confuse him with Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher also on the ballot, though ballots identify the senator as the incumbent. The Democrats' motion says the suit would require officials to withhold certification only if Peltola wins. Peltola told MS NOW's Nicole Wallace the effort shows desperation to hold power, and some Republicans also objected.

The race is rated a toss-up. Peltola won a 2022 special election for Alaska's U.S. House seat, and Trump carried the state by double digits in 2024. The teacher has said his candidacy is genuine.

Summarized by PolitiKool from MS NOW’s reporting. Read the full story at MS NOW →