President Donald Trump criticized Alaska’s Senate ballot for listing two candidates named Dan Sullivan, drawing attention to a lawsuit that could affect certification under a narrow ranked-choice scenario.
CBS News reported Trump called the ballot “very unfair” while discussing the race ahead of a South Carolina rally. The candidates are Republican incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan and Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) seeks a pause in certification only if Sen. Dan S. Sullivan loses and reallocating Daniel J. Sullivan’s votes to the incumbent would make him the winner under Alaska’s ranked-choice process. The complaint alleges Daniel J. Sullivan’s candidacy was intended to confuse voters and draw support from the incumbent to benefit Democratic candidate Mary Peltola. A court has not established that allegation. Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. has denied seeking to confuse voters or divert support.
A June Alaska Supreme Court ruling kept Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. on the ballot after Republicans challenged his candidacy. Trump has said he directed the Justice Department to bring the case. Alaska’s Senate election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
