Trump says he ordered DOJ suit to block Alaska Senate race certification

· Politics · United States

President Donald Trump said he ordered the Justice Department to sue to block certification of Alaska's Senate race if the Republican candidate loses. The race features two Republicans named Dan Sullivan on the ballot, and the DOJ has argued that fact could help Democratic nominee Mary Peltola defeat both of them. Trump took credit for the action amid growing concerns that the federal government could meddle in midterm races. Alaska's contest is one of several tight Senate races that will decide control of the chamber in the November midterms.

Why it matters：A sitting president openly seeking to block certification of an election result tests US democratic institutions ahead of midterms that will shape the legislative agenda.

Key points

  • Two Republicans named Dan Sullivan appear on the Alaska ballot
  • The DOJ argues the name overlap could help Democrat Mary Peltola win
  • Trump took credit for the legal action

Sources (original reporting)

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