Judge throws out DOJ attempt to delay certification of Alaska Senate race

CNN · The Independent and The Independent report that a federal judge in Alaska has dismissed a Justice Department suit meant to hold up certification of the state's U.S. Senate result, handing the Trump administration another courtroom loss in its efforts involving the 2026 midterms. U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, ruled Sunday that Washington lacks standing, that separating ballots would compromise the secrecy of voters, and that it is too late for courts to order so large a change just before Election Day.

The Independent adds that the suit, filed under two weeks before the vote, sought an inquiry into whether ballots marked for retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan were really intended for Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, who faces Democrat Mary Peltola. Gleason found the request "infeasible" because ballots already cast have been commingled. State officials called the case baseless.

The Independent also describes the political fight: Sullivan says Peltola must have known about efforts to recruit the namesake candidate, which she denies, along with her campaign. Sullivan said he will accept the election results.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CNN · The Independent and The Independent’s reporting. Read the full story at CNN · The Independent → Also at The Independent →