Federal judge dismisses Trump attempt to interfere in Alaska Senate race

AP; Getty Add NBC News to Google Nov. 1, 2026, PM EST / Updated Nov. 1, 2026, PM EST A federal judge in Alaska on Sunday dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit seeking to separate and preserve certain ballots in the state’s upcoming Senate election, where GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan faces Democrat Mary Peltola. In the last week, Peltola’s campaign has faced scrutiny after The New York Times reported the campaign and other Democrats recruited a candidate — Dan J. Sullivan — to run for the Senate with the same name as the incumbent senator. Citing potential voter confusion, the Trump administration sought to separate and preserve ballots with votes for Dan J. Sullivan, arguing that if the incumbent loses, it may be because people voted for the other Sullivan by mistake. District Judge Sharon Gleason voiced concerns about voters’ right to a secret ballot. “The absence of any explanation from the United States as to how its requested relief could redress its alleged injury while simultaneously maintaining the secrecy of the ballot is telling,” Gleason wrote. Later, she added: “Requiring the segregation of ballots cast J. Sullivan so that these voters can be further investigated a remedy that this Court can or should order as it clearly violate Alaskans’ right to a secret ballot.” Judge dismisses Trump lawsuit in Alaska Senate race The lawsuit also sought to block the certification of the Senate election if Sen. On Saturday, the Republican-led state government in Alaska implored a federal judge to prevent that effort in a court filing. In response to the ruling, a spokesperson for Peltola’s campaign told NBC News, “No sham investigation or baseless lawsuit from a weaponized Department of Justice is going to stop Alaskans from electing Mary on November 3rd so she can lower costs for Alaska’s working families. Alaskans will choose their next U. Senator — not Dan Sullivan or his DC allies.” Shortly after the judge’s ruling, the Justice Department appealed. “The court dismissed the case on procedural grounds but did not dispute the argument of the United States that Daniel J. Sullivan (a/k/a Decoy Dan) entered the race as a frivolous candidate to confuse voters. DOJ plans to file a notice of appeal. Alaskan voters deserve a fair election, not to be misled in an attempt to rig outcomes,” a department spokesperson said. FOR SUBSCRIBERS‘I’m closing the sucker down’: Trump holds final rally of a 28-stop midterm blitz FOR SUBSCRIBERSSome crewmembers on the evacuated cruise ship say they’re waiting without pay in Cambodia FOR SUBSCRIBERSTwo executives tried to build their dream of a never-ending cruise.